Chris Rigg is set to be given ‘every chance’ to force his way into the Sunderland first team.
The Sunderland Echo have reported that the youngster will likely feature for the Black Cats’ U21 side this season but will train regularly with the seniors as he tries to force his way into the squad.
Rigg burst onto the scene last season as he made his senior debut in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury in January, before making a further two appearances in the competition.
The 16-year-old was free to join another club this summer and was a target for the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United, however the Black Cats confirmed that he had opted to sign a two-year scholarship on Wearside last month.
The report claims one of the main reasons Rigg chose to stay at the Stadium of Light was because he would be given an opportunity in the first team, while he was more likely to struggle to make an impact in the near future elsewhere.
Despite only turning 16 in June, Rigg found himself featuring regularly for Sunderland’s U21s last season and was one of only a few youth players included in the club’s 26-man squad for their pre-season tour of the US this month.
Sunderland is definitely the best place for Chris Rigg to take his chances this season
Chris Rigg’s decision to stay at Sunderland came as a big surprise to many after such high profile interest – especially due to his family’s support of Newcastle United.
However, the teenager is clearly very understanding of the Black Cats’ brilliant development of young players in recent years and has been sensible in making the decision to stay on Wearside.
Rigg would have earned plenty more appearances with the senior team last season if it wasn’t for his injury and there is no doubt he will continue to feature in the upcoming campaign.
While it is likely to be a couple of years until he can establish a regular spot in the team, fans will certainly expect to see a much improved version of the young star over the next 12 months or so.