Manager Paul Jewell today praised the character and quality of defender Stephen Wright who played a key role in Bradford City's 1-0 win at Oxford United at the weekend.

The Scottish international right back who has been dogged by injury since he arrived at Valley Parade during the summer had played only 65 minutes of competitive football in ten weeks when Jewell called on him to play in the Oxford match.

And Jewell explained that he had earmarked one of City's other unlucky players, Lee Todd for a place at right back.

But Todd, who joined City just before the start of the season from Southampton in a £250,000 deal, went over on his ankle in training the day before the match and Wright came into the side at right back with Jamie Lawrence moving into midfield.

It was Wright's first match for the first team since he left the field with a serious knee injury in the home game against Barnsley on September 26.

He made his comeback with the reserves at Wrexham last Wednesday, but Jewell said: "He lasted only 65 minutes of that match. He felt stiff the following morning, but he felt better on Friday morning and he came through well against Oxford considering he had been out of action for so long.

"He is an intelligent footballer, a quality player with a good technique and he did not get exposed."

Wright cost Rangers £1.5 million when they signed him from Aberdeen four years ago, but he was dogged by injury at Ibrox and was out of action for 12 months.

"He had a horrendous time at Rangers and has had more than his fair share of injuries," said Jewell, "but there should be plenty of miles left in his engine."

Injuries to Wright, Todd and defender Ashley Westwood mean that Jewell has yet to see the best of three of his close season signings.

Todd has played in only nine league and cup matches, Wright in ten and Westwood in just four.

Westwood, who suffered ankle and calf injuries against Swindon three weeks ago, did some running yesterday and is set to join in full training on Thursday.

"When everyone is fit there will be a lot of competition for places along the back four," said Jewell, "but not everyone is fit."

Defender Darren Moore, who is suffering from a knock on the knee, is under treatment. He was doubtful for the Oxford match until he passed a fitness test just over three hours before the kick-off.

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