Sunderland defender Bailey Wright has reflected on what has been a momentous couple of months for the defender and admitted he was 'still pinching myself'. The 29-year-old was a key player as the Black Cats won promotion back to the Championship with a play-off final victory over Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.
And he has capped that achievement by helping Australia qualify for the World Cup later this year. The Aussies sealed their place in Qatar with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Peru.
It's been the perfect end to a remarkable season for the central defender, with some exciting times ahead on both the domestic and international fronts. And after a roller-coaster last few years, Wright is determined to enjoy every moment.
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"Nothing's guaranteed in football," he told AAP. "You've got to enjoy moments like this because I've been here before.
"I've qualified and not been part of a World Cup so I take massive satisfaction in qualifying for a World Cup. Means a hell of a lot to me and what I've been through to get here.
"I'm kind of pinching myself. I got promoted with Sunderland, qualified for a World Cup with Australia. Not sure if its sunk in yet.
"I'll certainly sit down my wife and my daughter in the next few weeks and see my family and really just reflect on everything that's happened because it's a good feeling."
Sunderland will also not miss Wright for any key games, with the Championship fixture list paused for the World Cup - something that was not necessarily going to be the case had they remained in League One.
