Football: On-loan Wright could face son

IAN WRIGHT is likely to be pitched straight in against Queen's Park Rangers today after joining Nottingham Forest on a month's loan and on Monday could find himself facing his own son.

West Ham's 35-year-old former England striker agreed to drop down to the Nationwide First Division to help out his former Arsenal team-mate, David Platt, who is Forest's manager.

"The exuberance and fizz that he'll bring to the dressing-room is essential and I know he won't need time to bed down," said Platt, who is likely to put Wright alongside Dougie Freedman in attack today.

He does not expect Wright to have a problem settling in, but the striker could be in an unusual position if he plays against Manchester City on Monday when his 17-year-old son, Shaun Wright-Phillips, could be in the City side.

"He's not in the squad as a stunt, he merits the recognition," City's manager, Joe Royle, said of Wright-Phillips. "He's a sharp little player, very quick and great control, with a super attitude. Someone who just wants to play football.

"We still don't know his best position. He might be one of those who can play anywhere. He's a different player to his father, who at the same age was all explosive pace, finishing power and aggression. Shaun's a winner but not quite as aggressive."

On the prospect of facing Wright senior, Royle said: "Ian Wright is a terrific talent and he has almost made it personal against me over the years. I don't think he dislikes me, it's just he's got a good record against me."

Yesterday was a day to remember for sons of famous fathers. Andrew Jordan, the son of former Scotland striker Joe, was called in to the Scotland Under-21 squad, along with Kenny Dalglish's son, Paul, and Gordon Strachan's son, Gavin.