Tommy Elphick has backed Jake Wright to come through a baptism of fire on his return to the professional ranks.

The former Crawley and Bradford City defender was given a tough time by ex-Southampton winger Nathan Dyer on his away debut at Swansea last night.

Wright, filling in at left-back again was substituted at half-time after a booking and a further warning from the referee, manager Russell Slade avoiding the risk of him receiving a red card.

Centre-half Elphick said: “You are not going to get too many wingers like Dyer in our division. I have played against him a few times and he is always a threat.

“Jake is so keen to do well and keep his shirt and you have also got to realise he is a centre-half.

“For me going out and playing at right-back is uncomfortable but during pre-season he showed what he can do at left-back.

“Once he has bedded in there is no doubt in my mind he will be a decent player for us.”