Bailey is Wright stuff for Aussies

SUNDERLAND boss Tony Mowbray believes Australia will benefit massively from Bailey Wright’s “character” after the Black Cats defender was named in their 26-man World Cup squad.

Already capped by the Socceroos 27 times, Wright will be heading to the second World Cup of his career, having previously been selected for Australia at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Out in Qatar, the Sunderland defender will face off against defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.

While he rarely featured for the Black Cats in the opening months of their Championship campaign, Wright has started all of Sunderland’s last three games, playing 90 minutes.

And Mowbray reckons the experience will be an incredible one for the 30-year-old defender, who will be jetting off to Qatar later this month.

“To have his character around the dressing room is pretty major,” said Mowbray.

“He’s had to play some games now. It’s fantastic for him to be going to a World Cup. You have got to wish them well.

“It’s the experience of being there and playing in a World Cup which will be amazing. Good luck to them and fingers crossed for them.”

The Socceroos play all three of their group games in Al Wakrah. They open the tournament against France on November 23, and play three days later when they meet Tunisia. They conclude the group against Denmark on December 1. AUSTRALIA’S FULL SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (c), Danny Vukovic, Andrew Redmayne. Defenders: Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Fran Karacic, Joel King, Kye Rowes, Harry Souttar, Milos Degenek, Thomas Deng, Bailey Wright. Midfielders: Keanu Baccus, Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Aaron Mooy, Riley McGree. Forward: Craig Goodwin, Martin Boyle, James Maclaren, Anwer Mabil, Mat Leckie, Garang Kuol, Mitchell Duke, Jason Cummings.