Preston North End defender Bailey Wright was as shocked as anyone when he learnt of his call-up to the Australian national team.
The 21-year old centre-back was named in Ange Postecoglou's 30-man preliminary squad for the 2014 World Cup on Wednesday after starring for the Lilywhites in England's League One this season.
Wright, who has made 50 appearances for PNE in 2013/14, told his club's official website that he was surprised to have been given the call but was focusing on Thursday's promotion play-off semi-final second leg with Rotherham United.
"It hasn't really hit me yet to be honest," he said.
"Obviously it is something I am very proud of, I wasn't really expecting it.
"But at the minute I have got this game on Thursday to concentrate on and that is my main priority, at the same time I am obviously buzzing about the call up.
"I have spoken with all the family back home and they are just as shocked as me really.
"It is just starting to hit them and they are very excited, they said they couldn't contain themselves sometimes and they just wanted to start telling people when they couldn't for a couple of days.
"They are proud and very happy.
"I got a phone call from the team manager just to let me know I was in the 30 man squad and was congratulated.
"I hadn't spoken to him since then because of not really being involved with the Australia setup since, but it was nice to hear his voice again and to get some good news."
Image courtesy of fanphobia.net
