Sunderland centre-back Bailey Wright has given his thoughts on being picked for the Australia squad for the 2022 World Cup that takes place in Qatar later this month.
Wright has only played 374 minutes of football for the Black Cats this season but did captain the side in a 1-0 loss to Cardiff City last weekend.
The 30-year-old has a lot of experience for the Socceroos, having made 27 senior appearances for his country before the World Cup and has been picked before for the 2014 edition of the tournament - although was not part of the 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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Speaking on the club's podcast SAFC Unfiltered, Wright highlighted how excited he was to represent not just his nation but also the people he loves back at home.
"Yeah, it's a proud achievement for me and my family. Obviously I've been to the World Cup before in Brazil, had a little taste of what they're like, I've had the heartbreak of missing out in Russia four years ago.
"I know the highs and lows of football, getting selected, not getting selected, so getting an opportunity like this, the honour to represent your country on the biggest stage from a footballer's point of view is special and something I never take for granted.
"I'm extremely grateful first off for growing up in Australia and learning my trade there but having the chance to represent my country and my friends and family gives me this goose bumps-type feeling that you can't really put into words.
"It never gets old, anytime you get to wear the shirt or get selected, you're like a kid at Christmas, just absolutely buzzing."
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