Wright reveals relief at Socceroos recall

Bailey Wright has revealed his relief at getting a recall back into the Australia national team fold under new coach Graham Arnold.

Wright, who made his debut for Australia back in 2014 and has earned 23 caps, was a regular during Ange Postecoglou’s four-year tenure.

The defender went to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as a non-playing member, and was on track to go to Russia after playing an important part in the qualifers, until Postecoglou’s unexpected departure in November last year.

Wright played just one game under interim boss Bert van Marwijk, a friendly loss to Norway in March, and was dumped for the Dutchman’s side for the 2018 tournament.

The Bristol City skipper was gutted to miss the World Cup in Russia and has admitted his solace at being named in Arnold’s 30-man Turkey training camp, despite currently battling injury.

“You could say that it’s a bit of relief,” he told The World Game. “It’s always a great feeling when you get the call-up.

"I missed being part of the World Cup and can’t wait to get back in camp and get to work.

“It means a lot to be back involved and be selected by the new boss.

“I’ve been injured and yet to play for my club, so it was nice to get a phone call off him to let me know I am part of his plans and wanted me to come into camp and be a part of his first camp in charge and see what he and his staff are about, and what their plans are to take us forward.

“It was a tough summer for me, missing out [on Russia], so it means a lot to be back in the squad.”

Arnold has selected 11 defenders in his Socceroos camp, with nominal midfielders Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan both picked as centre-backs.

Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman, Trent Sainsbury and Aleksandar Susnjar are the other central defenders named in the squad.

Wright hasn’t featured in the English Championship yet this season in the Robins’ first six league fixtures because of a quadriceps complaint.

Bristol City has won three games, lost one and drawn two so far and sit in sixth place, just three points below leaders Leeds United.

The 26-year-old will be on light duties in Antayla, and is unlikely to complete many field sessions, but he remains confident he will be back on the field soon.

“I’ve had a problem with my quad, an injury which has reoccurred, but I’m feeling a lot better now and making progress,” the centre-back said.

“I’ve not put a time on it [when I will be back] but it’s not too far away, which is nice.”