The 30-year-old has been a virtual ever-present since joining from Bristol Rovers in 2010 but has found himself having to settle for a substitute’s role for the victory over Coventry and draw at Hartlepool over the last 10 days.

A midfield reshuffle has seen Matt Richards move to Wright’s regular position on the left flank, with Aaron Wildig operating in a central berth alongside Luke Summerfield. But boss Graham Turner has been impressed with Wright’s two cameos as a substitute since being ommitted.

“Mark has responded well,” said Turner. “He’s gone on a couple of times and supplied the pass for Marvin to put us ahead at Hartlepool

“He should have scored late on in that game but he works hard and it’s interesting to see what he’s like up front. His mobility and pace can cause defenders problems. Sometimes, especially when you step up a level, it can be a hard programme during pre-season and into the start of the season.

“I just felt, with the squad we have got, I could afford to leave him out and give somebody else an opportunity.

“That player was Aaron Wildig. He’s done well, Mark’s responded well when he has gone on and I’ve no doubt he will continue to do so.”

Meanwhile, Turner today added his name to the long list of tributes from the world of football paid to former Town manager John Bond, who died after a long illness at the age of 79 yesterday.

“John was very much a football man,” said Turner.

“He produced some very good teams and got to a Cup final with Manchester City.

“I remember writing a letter to him when he took over at Birmingham. I was manager at Aston Villa at the time so I just welcomed him to the city. John was certainly someone who spent his life in and around football and put a lot into it.”