Better than Ian Wright? Haji Wright reveals messages from Coventry team-mates after USMNT striker nets hat-trick against Sunderland

The 26-year-old striker hit 19 goals for the Sky Blues last season, with a career-best return helping to deliver a memorable run to the FA Cup semi-finals. Ankle ligament damage his limited Wright’s game time in the 2024-25 campaign.

He has, however, reached double figures on the goal front – with a first hat-trick for Coventry taking him to that mark in a 3-0 victory over fellow Championship play-off hopefuls Sunderland. The United States international is proving his worth to current boss, ex-England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Wright has told Coventry’s official media team of registering a first treble in English football, with 71 appearances having been taken in: "It’s kind of eluded me since I’ve been at Cov, so to finally get one, it feels great."

Wright also revealed the messages scribbled on his match ball by club colleagues. They included: "Haji Wright, Ian Wright, Shaun Wright-Phillips, in that order." Others said "my heart", "my GOAT" and "American legend". Bobby Thomas wrote: "Hat-trick hero, love you sexy boy."

They were "all of the PG-13 ones", with Wright hoping that there will be more hat-tricks to come. His heroics against Sunderland have helped to keep Coventry in the play-off places, as Lampard attempts to guide the club back into the Premier League.