Is Bailey Wright joining up with Australia in the international break or staying with Rotherham United for treatment?

BAILEY Wright is to travel to the other side of the world during the international break even though he is out of action for Rotherham United because of a calf injury.

The international centre-half will fly Down Under to join up with the Australian squad who have two home matches against Ecuador later this month.

The games are the Socceroos’ first fixtures since the World Cup and are being seen as a celebratory event to mark their impressive showing during last year’s Qatar tournament.

Melbourne-born Wright, who is on loan with the Millers from Sunderland, is keen to not miss out on the occasion.

“We don’t expect him to play any part in the fixtures, but he wants to be part of the ‘homecoming’ environment and Australia want him to be there,” Millers manager Matt Taylor said. “That’s out of my control. It’s not ideal the amount of time he’ll spend on the plane and being away.”

Wright, who has nearly 30 caps and played in the Aussies’ 1-0 World Cup win over Denmark, faces a round trip of more than 20,000 miles.

Rotherham would no doubt have preferred to see the player remain at their Roundwood base for treatment during the two-week close of the Championship programme, but have given him their blessing.

“We understand him wanting to go,” Taylor said. “I’m not frustrated. I’m sure Australian physios are pretty good and know what they’re doing. Australia had a fantastic World Cup campaign and Bailey was a big part of their squad.”

Wright, along with midfielder Ollie Rathbone (groin), is expected to sit out Rotherham’s last match before the break: Saturday’s visit of Cardiff City to AESSEAL New York Stadium.

“If we play them this weekend then there would be a huge risk,” Taylor said.