Southampton FC goalkeeper keen on another loan move

The 21 year old starred between the sticks during his spell at the Rebels, helping them reach the National League South playoff final, which they lost to Braintree Town in extra time.

Wright is keen to continue playing regular first-team football in order to further his development.

Wright travelled with Saints to Wembley for the Championship playoff final, having served as third-choice goalkeeper since Worthing's campaign ended.

On that experience, he told the Daily Echo: "The last couple of weeks of the season was an unbelievable experience.

"I am very grateful to be a part of it. It is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime."

He has impressed staff at Worthing and Saints, with whom he continued to train on days his loan side were not training.

Former Saints skipper and current Worthing coach Dean Hammond told the Echo: "I don't use the word lightly, but he has been incredible."

The Somerset-born shot-stopper signed a new long-term contract at St Mary's earlier this year, extending his deal until  2026.

Ollie Wright's contract runs until 2026 (Image: Southampton FC)

"I got offered a new deal just after I had come back from injury and I wanted to sign it straight away," he continued.

"This club is the best club for me and my personal development. As soon as I got the contract, I wanted to sign it and crack on.

"Some people might put the brakes on (after signing a long-term deal), but for me, this is motivation to earn another contract.

"I don't want to take my foot off the gas. I'm hungry to earn another contract. Signing a new contract is a great feeling.

"I hope I can get a loan in the Football League. If I can do that next year, I think it can be a good stepping stone going into my career."

Saints boss Russell Martin has been impressed by Wright in the short time he has worked with the keeper.

Ollie Wright impressed while on loan at Worthing in the National League South (Image: Mike Gunn)

He praised the youngster's character and explained why he jumped ahead of Adli Mohamed as third choice late in the season.

He said: “I watched Worthing’s final, I was gutted for him. As a Sussex boy, I wanted Worthing to go up. I bumped into Dean Hammond a few days after that.

“Dean was so pleased with Ollie and the personality that he brought onto the pitch. He has had a really good loan.

“Adli and him have trained with us every day. He has had a bit more experience than Adli so he became the third choice.

“He really enjoyed it. He doesn’t stop smiling, he is a really good character and a good goalkeeper as well.”