Bailey, Flanno and co can play their way to new contracts, says Lee

Lee Johnson believes Bailey Wright's excellent display against Cheltenham Town showed why he was 'rock solid' in wanting to keep the defender at Sunderland.

Wright was recalled to the starting XI in midweek after Callum Doyle suffered a minor back injury. Johnson says his form is no surprise, and a reflection of the fact that he is physicallybacktohisbestafter some injury issues last season.

"Bailey is a really good footballer," Johnson said.

"I've always said that when Bailey'sbodyisatitsmostfluid, you'vegotareallygoodfootballer there.

"He'sintopshapeatthemoment and moving well.

"He's got a really good footballing brain. He might not have the silk, but if you look at his decisions based on about 500 passes, they're very good ones."

Sunderland had interest from other clubs in Wright over the summer, partially a product of the fact that he had justoneyearleftonhiscurrent contract.

The Australian is one of a number of senior players out of contract at the end of the current campaign, and Johnsonsaysitisuptothoseplayers tomaintaintheircurrentform.

The 29-year-old is a big part of Johnson's plans for the season, and also has a crucial off-pitch role as club captain alongside Luke O'Nien.

"We've said before that it's about Bailey producing that type of form over the season, simple as that," Johnson said.

"His form has been good of late. For me, it's all about his body.

"He has that brain, the warrior spirit and his culture-setting is really important to us.

"Iwasrocksolidonthatone throughoutthesummerinnot wantinghimtoleave,andtrust methereisnoonehappierthan me that he's playing well.

"I hope that he's my assistant manager one day. He's actually doing a technical director course, so maybe I can be his head coach.

"As you move into November-December, you start to think about that [contracts] even more. Of course budgets come into it as well.

"If the boys are doing well, it's simple.

"Look at Aiden McGeady. Age doesn't really come into it when you produce to the level he did last season.

"It'snodifferentforthelikes of Flanno (Tom Flanagan), Bailey, whoever. I've been really pleased with Flanno and Bailey, and of course with Callum DoyleandFrederikAlveswe've gotreallystrongcompetitionin that position."