What Phil Parkinson said about Bailey Wright's long-term Sunderland future and the part he has to play

Wright suffered an ankle ligament injury at the Kassam Stadium last Saturday, and it was confirmed on Wednesday that he would be missing for eight to twelve weeks.

Manager Phil Parkinson is preparing to be without the Australian for the rest of the season, with an early return seen as a ‘bonus’ if it happens.

Parkinson is weighing up adding a free agent as cover in the interim.

Wright will stay on Wearside during his rehabilitation period, with his Bristol City career all but at an end.

The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Parkinson says whether or not he returns to action this season, his experience means he will still have a part to play at the Academy of Light.

“Bailey will be staying with us for his rehab and will be in and around it,” Parkinson said.

“His contract is up at Bristol City so he has moved up here and rented a place in the area anyway.

“He's enjoying being part of the club and it's good to have characters like him around, so he will still be a good influence around the place.”

Parkinson would not be drawn on his long-term future, but was clear in confirming that the loan deal had been done with a view to extending it this summer, should the deal suit all parties.

“Without a doubt,” Parkinson said.

“He's a quality player.”

Wright spoke about his long-term future after making his debut against Tranmere Rovers last month.

The Australian said he would like to prove himself and earn a long-term deal, and the Black Cats kept four clean sheets in his five appearances before injury.

“Yeah,” he said.

“I've come here to be part of a successful group and I think there's something really good happening here.

“I'm enjoying myself and I want to get back to my best, and to do that I need to be winning games of football and making sure this team is successful. I'll just take it from there.”