SOUTHERN One South & West new boys Salisbury have agreed a season-long loan deal for young Sutton United striker Tommy Wright.

Although Steve Claridge’s side were well beaten 6-2 in their pre-season friendly at Southern Premier outfit Basingstoke Town on Saturday, Wright was a shining light for the promoted Sydenhams Wessex champions.

The 21-year-old, who played a part in Sutton’s National League South title win last term, scored both Salisbury goals.

It was enough to convince Claridge to get straight in touch with Sutton boss Paul Doswell who is keen for the ex-Otterbourne youngster to spend a year away developing his game out of the National League spotlight.

“Tommy’s quick and sharp and showed good movement,” said Claridge. “I think he’ll prove a good acquisition for us. We’re grateful to Paul and Sutton for agreeing the move.”

It was Salisbury’s director of football Mick Jenkins who spotted Wright last season and made the initial enquiry with Sutton’s head coach Ian Baird who he knows from Havant & Waterlooville days.

Wright took just three minutes to open the scoring at Basingstoke, meeting Lewis Benson's free-kick on the volley.

But Salisbury trailed 4-1 by half-time, torn apart by two goals apiece from Aaran Redford (one penalty) and George Hallahan.

Richie Whittingham and Matt Partridge added further goals in the second half for the newly full-time hosts, whose fitness levels are ahead of the Whites at this stage of pre-season.

Wright, though, had the last word, heading home another Benson assist, this time a corner.

After the game delighted Basingstoke boss Terry Brown said: “I felt we had a really nice balance today and scored some good goals which were wasted in pre-season.

"We are not going to get carried away as it is only one game, but I am sure our fans enjoyed this one.”

Next up for Salisbury is the big home friendly against Sky Bet League Two Portsmouth tomorrow (Tuesday, July 19th, 7pm).