Pundit and former Sunderland man Danny Collins has backed two current Black Cats players to become future England stars.
Sunderland returned to the top of the Championship table following a routine 2-0 win against Derby County on Tuesday night.
Goals came from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor; the Frenchman has now scored two in his last two, and Phil Smith has backed Sunderland to sign Isidor should his scoring form continue.
Elsewhere, Sunderland fans hailed Romaine Mundle for another exciting performance from the former Spurs man, who continues to shine following the sale of Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town over the summer.
Up next for Regis Le Bris’ side is a game against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on Friday night, in what will prove to be a huge test for the Black Cats.
But they’re in good form. They go into this game on the back of a good win with several players having had impressive seasons.
- READ MORE: Phil Smith rates Dan Neil’s performance for Sunderland vs Derby County amid recent criticism
Sunderland duo Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg backed for bright futures
There’s a number of talented youngsters in the Sunderland first-team squad, with many looking like they could play at the top level one day.
Two of the many are Bellingham and Chris Rigg; Bellingham scored a stunning goal against Derby County which caught the attention of Jude Bellingham on social media.
Rigg meanwhile has broken into the starting XI this season, with his fine form leading to interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United, who are tipped to make a move as early as January.
Speaking on the SAFC Live post-match show, pundit Danny Collins was asked whether he thinks Bellingham and Rigg are future England players.
Collins said: “They’re in the set-ups, so they’re getting a taster of it, with the younger age groups.
“But keep on going. Young lads isn’t it. But if they’re doing things right, age is just a number, isn’t it?
“On the right path. Obviously Jobe there will be keeping an eye on his brother, following in his footsteps. It wouldn’t be bad would it.
“They’re doing the right things. Learning their trade here… Big things ahead or them I’m sure.”
Sunderland competition has helped midfield to grow
Many would say that the midfield department is the one with the most quality at Sunderland.
During the summer, Kristjaan Speakman stocked up with the signings of names like Alan Browne and Milan Aleksic among others, and the added competition has helped the likes of Bellingham and Rigg to grow.
The competition is so fierce that fans have called for Dan Neil to be dropped, when last season he was one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
Sunderland are certainly looking good this season and a lot of credit has to go to Speakman for the recruitment.