PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Stephen Wright

Stephen Wright : Defender
Date of Birth: 08/02/1980
Birthplace: Liverpool
Debut : 29 November 2000 v Stoke City (a) (Worthington Cup) won 8-0.
1st team games: 21
1st team goals: 1
Other clubs: Trainee
International caps while with Liverpool: 9 (England U-21)
International goals while with Liverpool: 1
Honours with Liverpool: -

PROFILE
Talented defender Stephen Wright worked his way through the ranks at Anfield and finally made his Liverpool debut in the 8-0 Worthington Cup record victory against Stoke City in November 2000. Wright came on as a half time replacement for Markus Babbel at right back and played his part in the Reds record away victory.

His desire to break into the Reds first team was whetted following a successful spell on loan to Division One side Crewe Alexandra during the 1999/2000 season. Although sidelined early on with damaged ankle ligaments, Wright returned to the Gresty Road outfit following a rehabilitation programme back at Liverpool's Melwood training complex, and went on to gain a valuable taste of first team experience.

Wright made his Premiership debut as a substitute for the injured Markus Babbel in the 3-0 win over West Ham United at Anfield in February 2001. He made a good impression too, helping set up the second goal for Robbie Fowler, and he is fast establishing himself as a regular member of the current first team squad.

He made his first start in the Premiership for Liverpool at Filbert Street in the 4-1 win at Leicester on October 20th, 2001. His first goal arrived for the Reds at Anfield in front of the Kop in the 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.

A bright future at Anfield seemingly beckoned for Wright but with no guarantee of first team football Gerard Houllier accepted a bid from Sunderland for him in August 2002.