Following Chris Rigg’s first Championship start in Sunderland’s 1-0 loss to Leicester City last night, Mike Dawson has urged the team’s supporters to “get excited” about the teenager.

Rigg received a full league debut against the Championship leaders at the Stadium of Light, despite not turning 17 until June.

As Sunderland successfully quenched Leicester’s early attacking onslaught, he replied with a cool-headed and collected midfield showing that saw him both meticulously carry out his defensive duties and emerge as a stronger attacking force as the game progressed.
After agreeing to a first professional contract with the Black Cats last summer, Rigg had to wait his turn after making his debut while still a student previous season.

Nevertheless, Dodds and the other Sunderland coaches have never questioned his abilities, and with the ten games left in the season, he should have many more opportunities to shine.

The interim head coach of the Black Cats praised Rigg’s performance. Regarding the out-of-possession stuff, I felt he was incredibly selfless because they made a few unexpected tweaks.

“I thought Riggy did a great job adjusting.” I knew he would go to the well, even though the idea was to maybe get an hour out of him. We needed everyone, therefore I thought it was a great excellent game for him because I knew he would give us everything in order to drain the tank.