New Socceroo Bailey Wright’s club Preston North End has bowed out of the League One playoffs, meaning the powerhouse 22 year old defender can now head directly to Australia and join the Socceroos pre World Cup camp.
While Wright must dwell on missing out on a chance at reaching the Championship during the long flight back to Australia, this will be tempered by the excitement of linking up with the senior national for the first time, with the possibility of a shock inclusion in the final World Cup squad tantalisingly close.
Wright, from Melbourne, has been on Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou’s radar since Christmas. And after over 40 appearances for his club, now has his chance to impress the coach who has insisted form, fitness and an eye for the future are key factors in his selection process for the squad.
After going down 3-1 away to Rotherham in their semi-final second leg on Thursday, Preston bowed out 4-2 on aggregate, consigning the former powerhouse to another season in the third tier of English football.
The Australian defender played a full game.
Send Off the Socceroos!
Socceroos vs South Africa, presented by NAB
Monday 26 May 2014
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Tickets from $30 including public transport. Buy now!