Marco Gabbiadini says Bailey Wright is a 'great asset' for Sunderland following his return to the starting line-up in recent weeks.
Wright failed to register a single start in any of Sunderland's opening 17 games in the Championship this term. He also only played 16 minutes at the 2022 World Cup as Australia reached the Round of 16 in Qatar. However, Wright has filled the void at centre-back in the absence of Danny Batth, as the Black Cats registered two wins and a draw over the festive period.
The Australian international captained Sunderland in their 2-1 comeback victory over Shrewsbury Town last weekend. Although Gabbiadini has doubts over whether Wright can keep his place in the side, he has highlighted the importance of having the 30-year-old at the club.
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“He’s a great asset actually," the former Sunderland striker told BBC Newcastle's Total Sport. "Probably not what he wants to hear, obviously he’s had a very strong career, played a lot of football. He will be hurting to be watching from the sidelines but the lads at the back, O’Nien and Batth, who have probably been the two most regular, have been two of our best players for the season.
“So it’s difficult to force your way into that pairing but to have a player like him, ready to come on, and he always gives his best. He’s one of those sort of players that fans take to straight away because of his approach to the game.
“It’s a bonus but I’m sure he will be hoping that he can keep his place for the remaining games of the season. That’s the way he will be looking at it personally. And that’s part of squad football. Your everybody’s mate but it does come down to that competitive head-to-head against your mate sometimes.”
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