Chris Rigg is set to return to the Sunderland squad tomorrow evening.
That’s according to Mark Venus, who held today’s pre-match press conference in Tony Mowbray’s absence.
The Black Cats’ assistant head coach revealed that the manager is currently battling a chest infection, but is hopeful that he will be in the dugout for the match against Huddersfield Town.
Chris Rigg also looks set to be present at the Stadium of Light, having last been part of the match-day squad for the win over Norwich City in October.
The 16-year-old had been a much more present figure in the first team this season after making his debut at the start of the year.
Rigg had made six cameo appearances in the Championship this term, though was allowed to leave Wearside at the start of the month after he was called up to the England U17 squad for the World Cup.
The midfielder captained the Young Lions in Indonesia and picked up a brilliant assist in the Round of 16 clash with Uzbekistan, however it wasn’t enough as England were knocked out of the competition.
The trip to Plymouth at the weekend came too early for Rigg, but it now looks like he could make his comeback on home soil tomorrow.
Speaking in today’s press conference, Venus said: “Chris has come back from the WC with England. He’s fine, he’s trained today. Otherwise I think we’ll have the same squad. Chris’ been away, played some games in an intense environment with England, trying to win a World Cup.
“He’s been under a bit of pressure. He’s an amazing kid, his attitude is first class, he trains every day like he plays and he’s part of the future. We have to mould him and bring him through.
“I think that goes for all the young players. We have some young players who haven’t had lots of game time but are talented and it’s our job to develop them and bring them through.
“Chris is back into the groove of club football now. It’s an amazing experience for him playing for England and hopefully he can go through all the age groups. That would be great for him, for us and the area. We’re really happy with Chris.”
Where does Chris Rigg sit in Sunderland’s plans?
It was expected that Chris Rigg would have a huge challenge on his plate to force his way back into the squad following his return, however it seems to be quite the opposite.
The Sunderland team are in a bit of limbo after their defeat to Plymouth and Tony Mowbray looks likely to make a few changes against Huddersfield.
While Rigg will probably keep his place on the bench, he will be eager to impress if he is brought on, with the likes of Pierre Ekwah’s position looking rather unstable in recent games.
A premature ending to his World Cup campaign will hopefully spur Rigg on and allow him to better his performances in the Championship as he lets out his frustration.
With the Black Cats enduring some tricky form at the minute, we could definitely benefitting from him at turning it up a notch.