Darren Ferguson has confirmed that PNE's 17-year-old Australian centre-half Bailey Wright will be involved in the first team squad this weekend.

The Preston North End boss confirmed the news at his pre-match press briefing, explaining that with Elliott Ward ineligable and Youl Mawene away on compassionate leave the Club have a shortage of centre-backs.

Bailey will be travelling to Coventry with experienced centre-half duo Sean St. Ledger and Liam Chilvers.

Australian defender Wright joined North End in July and is another one of the North End youngsters to have already gained international experience after representing the Australia Under 17 Joeys in the World Cup qualifiers.

Bailey has put in a number of impressive performances for the North End U18s and reserve side.

Wright was born in Melbourne and has captained his state side Victoria, guiding them all the way to the National Championship Finals.

Speaking to pne.com, Darren Ferguson confirmed that Wright will be travelling with the team to Coventry. Ferguson said:

"Young Bailey the centre half will be involved on the bench on Saturday, he has done very well and trained very well. Every time that I have seen him he has impressed me, he has a fantastic attitude.

"Liam Chilvers and Sean are the only centre halves that we can use with Elliott Ward being unavailable and Youl being in France, so Bailey will come in and I have no problem with that whatsoever.

"I have no problem sticking him in, he has got a great temperament and I have to say that is the one thing I can say about the young lads that have been involved, they have got good temperaments and that's what you need."