Sunderland completed the loan signing of defender Bailey Wright from Bristol City earlier today, and the 27-year-old has wasted no time in discussing the move with the club's media. 

Wright, who has only managed three appearances for Bristol City this term, will be with the Black Cats until the end of the 2019-2020 season.

The 27-year-old centre-back, who is likely to fit straight into the Sunderland team, won promotion from League One back in 2015 with Preston North End.

Since then, the Australian has turned out 100 times in the Championship and will be hoping he can help take Sunderland back to the second tier.

Speaking to the club's media channels on Tuesday, Wright said: "What that manager is building here excites me and it’s something I want to be a part of, and be a part of a successful Sunderland team.

"People in the area live and breathe football. For me, that will be amazing to play in front of every week," Wright continued. "I've played here a few times and you realise how passionate and real love there is for football and the club here."

Acknowledging that the side are in a good run of form, Wright added: "I'm coming here to earn that shirt, I'm not just expecting to have it I will have to earn it, it's good to see the team doing well and I'm here to compete for places." 

The Black Cats have won four of their last five league games which has seen them move up to the play-off places and six points behind the top two.

Play-offs will surely be a minimum expectation for anyone connected with the Black Cats this season, with Wright becoming signing number two of the window following Kyle Lafferty's arrival.

The Verdict

Judging from the interview, Sunderland have got themselves a passionate and switched on defender who knows what it takes to win promotion from League One.

The defender has amassed 121 appearances in the third division and will certainly add experience and strength in depth to Phil Parkinson's side.

Sunderland is in no doubt a passionate footballing city and Wright has clearly acknowledged that and seems to have played a factor in his decision to move to the Stadium of Light.

Wright insists that he wants to be part of a successful Sunderland side and if he can show that passion and leadership on the pitch he will prove to be an excellent addition for Phil Parkinson's men.

Can you name these 15 ex-Sunderland defenders? Try our quiz below!