Socceroos make the Wright call
Little known centre-back Bailey Wright has bolted into the Socceroos squad for this year's World Cup.
Wright, who plays for English third tier side Perston North End, was among the 30-man unit announced by coach Ange Postecoglou.
The squad: Mark Birighitti, Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Josh Brillante, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic, Eugene Galekovic, Curtis Good, Ben Halloran, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Mitch Langerak, Matthew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Ryan McGowan, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Mat Ryan, Adam Sarota, Matthew Spiranovic, Adam Taggart, James Troisi, Dario Vidosic, Alex Wilkinson, Luke Wilkshire, Bailey Wright.
"You want guys who have played some consistent and good football. Hopefully they have a similar fire in the belly to myself," Postecoglou said.
Wright has played three games for the Australian under-17 team.
In April he was one of six Preston North End players who were arrested and bailed in what has been described as English football's biggest ever spot-fixing investigation.
The players were arrested as part of a wider probe into suspected conspiracy to commit acts of bribery and money laundering.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing with those involved expected to answer bail at the end of June.
All players have denied any wrong doing and the allegations do not affect Bailey's eligibility for the World Cup.
Wright has also been allowed to finish the season with Preston North End, which is on the cusp of being elevated to the Championship.
Bailey almost gave away the game after graduating from the Victorian Institute of Sport and being overlooked by all A-League clubs.
"I'm just looking forward to (the World Cup) and seeing what it's all about," he said.
"My mum keeps texting me saying she can't sleep. You know what mums are like. My dad as well."
Australia's final 23-man squad will be named on June 2.
The Socceroos have a dearth of central defending options, former captain Lucas Neill already scratched by Postecoglou after a lack of game time over the last six months.
