Chris Rigg earned his plaudits in Sunderland’s defeat to Preston North End yesterday.
The midfielder was benched for the Black Cats’ opener against Cardiff City, though is expected to be included on rotation with Alan Browne.
Rigg was handed his first start of the season in yesterday’s Carabao Cup clash with Preston, returning to midfield after a spell out wide under Mike Dodds.
The teenager was unable to prevent defeat at Deepdale, but did his reputation no harm under Regis Le Bris.
- READ MORE: Six key things we learned as Sunderland are defeated 2-0 by Preston North End in Carabao Cup
Rigg’s opportunity in the starting line-up isn’t too far away
Rigg was arguably Sunderland’s best player and received high praise for his ‘positive’ display.
Speaking on Rigg on BBC Radio Newcastle, Sunderland legend Gary Bennett said: “Chris Rigg did well in there. He’s one that’s been knocking on the door and hopefully his opportunity will come soon.”
Rigg was brought into the starting line-up in the second half of last season and really caught the fans’ attention, as well as a number of top clubs.
The 17-year-old went onto sign a new contract on Wearside and there is no doubt that an agreement was made that he would rack up plenty of minutes this term.
Rigg needs to be handled with care, but Sunderland need him to reach the play-offs
Browne’s form in pre-season and impressive debut against Cardiff may make things harder than first planned for Rigg, but there is no doubt that he will become a regular under Le Bris.
The youngster adds something to the team that no other player does and has the work-rate needed to succeed in the Championship.
He is still only very young though, and like last season, his game-time needs to be handled carefully.
While he may not start against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, if he impresses from the bench then he will likely be brought into the starting line-up over the next few weeks.
Le Bris is in a brilliant position of having so much talent in his midfield, but there is no doubt that Rigg has the highest ceiling out of the lot – perhaps even higher than Jobe Bellingham.
If the Black Cats are to reach the play-offs next year then Rigg will play a key role in that, and if he can be handled cautiously in the first half of the campaign then he could well play week-in week-out when it gets down to the nitty gritty.