Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Vitoria: Defender Bailey Wright will be determined to use Australia's friendly against Brazilian club side Parana Clube to prove he is worthy of a place in Ange Postecoglou's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
With the Socceroos' supremo set to use Tuesday's friendly at Australia's Arena Unimed Sicoob training base to give a final test to the fringe players, the uncapped 21-year-old will be anxious to make the most of the opportunity when he takes to the field against the Curitiba-based second division outfit that counts former FC Seoul forward Renaldo, ex-Vegalta Sendai striker Borges and Thiago Neves, who currently plays for ACL 2014 quarter-finalists Al Hilal, amongst their former players.
Should Wright find his way into Australia's final 23-man squad then he will mark something of a milestone for current club Preston North End by becoming the first player from English side to take part in the World Cup since the legendary Sir Tom Finney.
Interestingly England international Finney, who made 433 appearances for Preston, made his World Cup debut at the 1950 finals against Chile, Australia first opponents at the 2014 finals.
Will history repeat for another Preston North End player when the Socceroos take on La Roja in their opening match in Cuiaba on June 13?
Photo: AFP