Bailey in the Wright place to capitalise for Socceroos

It’s game on in the battle of the Socceroos centre-backs, and Bailey Wright is vowing to do all he can to resist challenge of fit-again Trent Sainsbury for next week’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan in Amman.

Source: Getty Images

Sainsbury’s partnership with perennial powerhouse Matthew Spiranovic was unbroken as Australia roared to AFC Asian Cup glory in January, but injuries since have hindered the elegant PEC Zwolle defender.

Alex Wilkinson and most recently, Preston North End stopper Wright, have stepped in the breach.

Wright was a surprise starter ahead of Wilkinson in the recent qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajistikan, and barely put a foot wrong as he staked a strong claim to keep his hard won spot against Jordan on Friday week (AEST).

Jordan sits two points adrift of Australia, which has won all three of its qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh and Tajikistan, and is looking odds on to breeze through to the final phase of qualifying for Russia 2018.

23-year-old Wright, who has won only four caps, is quickly growing into the role of partnering the immovable Spiranovic.

But he is under no illusions that, with Sainsbury having shrugged off a nagging hamstring injury, the pressure is on.

“There’s competition for every position and that’s what the boss has always wanted,” Wright said.

“It keeps us all on our toes and Trent will be looking to get the nod just as I will be doing my best to impress again in camp and keep the spot.

“You have to be switched on for every session in every camp and can’t afford to relax for a minute.

“You need to prove yourself every time you go in, and that goes for every player in the squad, no matter what they have done in the past and it’s how it should be.

“Trent’s a good player and showed what he’s about as the Asian Cup.

“He’ll be as hungry ad I am for game time, especially having missed out on the last camp.

“No matter who gets picked, we all support each other. There are no egos or cliques in the squad and it’s always about the biggest picture, which is getting results.”

Though over his injury concerns, Sainsbury is having to bide his time in his club comeback at PEC Zwolle, having made only one appearance off the bench in the last five games.

While he is tried and trusted by Postecoglou, his lack of match minutes will mean the Socceroos coach will monitor him closely in camp next week as he goes head-to-head with Wright for a cherished starting berth.

Wright forced his way into the Socceroos' reckoning while in League One last season - a show of faith in his ability by Postecoglou.

Preston sits third bottom in the relegation places after nine rounds and alhough his team have had a tough initiation to life in the Championship,  Wright has continued to impress.

The stopper, who will sit out this weekend’s clash against Sheffield Wednesday after picking up a red card as nine-man Preston drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton last Sunday, said it was important to keep improving.

“It’s always about improving and tweaking parts of your game and when you are in a higher division up against better players and teams it asks a bit more of you and you have to respond and adapt to a new challenge," Wright said.

He sees a mirror image of himself in the surprise call up for fellow defender James Meredith, whose Bradford City side plays in League One.

“It shows that no matter what division you are in, if you are performing you can still progress and go to the that next level,” Wright said.

“James has started the season really well his year and its good to see him get a chance. He is quick and a good left back and I am sure he will do well when he comes into camp.

“Both myself and Massimo Luongo were given a chance with the national team while playing in League One and James will have that same opportunity.

“It’s obviously important it make a good first impression and I am sure he can do that.”