Socceroos defender Bailey Wright has moved to League One powerhouses Sunderland on loan for the rest of the season.
Wright has joined the Black Cats from parent club Bristol City.
The powerful defender, who is club captain of the Robins, has been restricted to just three appearances so far this season in an injury-riddled campaign.
Unable to force his way back into the first-team plans of coach Lee Johnson, Wright has opted to move to Sunderland to get more game time ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers and June’s 2020 Copa America.
“I hold Bailey Wright in the highest regard as a man, a professional and a footballer,” Johnson said on the Robins’ official website.
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“After his injury, minutes have been hard to come by and we feel this is the right move for him and Bristol City to go and play football at a fantastic club in Sunderland.”
Wright has made 83 appearances for City since joining them from Preston North End in 2017.
“On behalf of everyone at Bristol City I want to thank Bailey for all he has done for this club,” Chief Executive Mark Ashton said.
“From the moment he arrived he has been the model professional and ambassador and we all wish him well.”
Sunderland are currently sixth in League One as they chase promotion back to the Championship for next season.
Wright could make his debut as early as this Saturday (AEDT) when the Black Cats host Doncaster Rovers at the Stadium of Light.
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