[4] Wright turned professional a year later in August 1997, and the following season was named as an unused substitute for the UEFA Cup clash with Celta Vigo on 24 November 1998 alongside Steven Gerrard.

Following two successful loan spells with Crewe Alexandra in the 1999–2000 season,[5] Wright made his Liverpool debut in the 8–0 drubbing of Stoke City on 29 November 2000 in the League Cup, replacing Markus Babbel at half time.

[6] He went on to play 4 times that season for Liverpool, including a brief substitute appearance against future club Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in February 2001.

Wright was handed the number 2 shirt and made first choice right back, replacing Bernt Haas, who had moved on loan to FC Basle.

Wilkinson was replaced by former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, who often alternated between Wright and teammate Darren Williams for the right back slot during the 2003–04 season.

[10] During the summer, McCarthy strengthened the squad by signing Manchester United right back Mark Lynch, though Wright remained first choice.

After a poor start, Sunderland eventually won the league comfortably, with Wright playing a major role and earning himself the respect of the supporters that had once criticised him.

Upon returning to fitness, Wright was sent off for two bookable offences on his comeback game against West Ham United on 4 February 2006 and later picked up an ankle injury in training that required surgery.

[22] On 24 March 2013 Wright picked up his third honour in football with the North Wales club by winning the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium, they beat Grimsby Town 4–1 on penalties.

He was capped for the England U-20 team at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship, with teammates Stuart Taylor, Ashley Cole, Peter Crouch, Andy Johnson, Matthew Etherington, etc.

[23] In 2006, Wright became an investor in Golf Punk magazine, alongside former Sunderland teammates Phil Babb, Michael Gray, Jason McAteer, and Thomas Sørensen, saving the publication from closure.