The Sunderland youngster has just one start so far this season but is making major progress behind the scenes
Régis Le Bris is confident Chris Rigg will get opportunities for Sunderland soon after noticing huge growth from the youngster behind the scenes since pre-season.
Rigg picked relatively few minutes in the first phase of the campaign, playing the full game in the 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Hull City and making three late appearances from the bench across the club's other fixtures so far. It will no doubt be a source of frustration for the 19-year-old, who enjoyed a very strong pre-season campaign with so many Sunderland players making late returns following their World Cup commitments.
Speaking earlier this season, the Sunderland head coach says he is confident the midfielder's 'huge improvement' will yield more playing time. The Black Cats play seven times in 21 days when they return from the current international break.
"We were able to work on our right triangle early in the season and this is an important part of our performance, so they've been ready to play," Le Bris said.
"Riggy, we had the conversation early in July comparing his start last season and his start this season. It's a huge improvement. It's not just about football, it's about the maturity of the man as well. Now he's a really good sub and if he seizes his opportunity he might start soon."
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Le Bris believes the growth in Rigg's confidence is allowing him to play with greater stature on the pitch.
"It's probably about his confidence," Le Bris said.
"Often you can be exactly the same shape but because you are more confident you look bigger, sharper and quicker and I think that's the case with Riggy now."
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