Preston’s Wright hails Bradford’s Socceroo debutant

Preston North End's Socceroo Bailey Wright says he had no doubts about James Meredith’s qualities after the Bradford City star’s stunning debut for Australia on Thursday night.

Championship defender Wright was part of a well-oiled Socceroo back four in Australia’s 3-0 World Cup qualifier win over Kyrgyzstan in Canberra.

Wright in central defence alongside League One’s Meredith at left back helped shut out the Central Asian nation for a vital three points on the Road to Russia.

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The Aussies cantered to victory thanks to skipper and Crystal Palace star Mile Jedinak’s 40th-minute penalty and second half goals via Tim Cahill and Ildar Amirov’s own goal in front of just under 20,000 fans in the nation's capital. 

Meredith on debut slotted in beautifully in what many believe was a dream debut.

“He’s done really well. I’ve played against him a few times [in England] and I know what sort of player he is," Wright told reporters on Friday. 

“He’s obviously good enough to be here and I think he proved that last night. He knew himself he was good enough.

“It was nice to see him get a run out and do really well. 

"We’ve both played in England and were both in the same league last season [League One] and hopefully he can keep doing what he’s doing.”