Michael Beale intends to give Chris Rigg more playing time in the second half of the season, citing his positive impression of the teenager since his arrival on Wearside.
Rigg was left out of the group that traveled to Middlesbrough on Sunday, instead playing 90 minutes in an FA Youth Cup defeat to Swindon Town on Friday night. However, Rigg pleased Beale with a cameo against Stoke City the week before and is expected to rejoin to the senior side within the next week.
Rigg made his first senior debut since September’s win over Norwich City, however he missed a few weeks due to the U17 World Cup.
“I was pleased with Riggy when he came on against Stoke,” Beale explained.
“He obviously missed out at the weekend because he was competing in the FA Youth Cup, but I was really impressed with him. We don’t want to talk about their age because we trust in their abilities, but for someone so young, he shown that he wants to be active, not simply play a minor role. He wants to play.
He does not want us to consider his age since he believes he is prepared, but we do take it into account. I believe it was inevitable that you would see him more in the second part of the season, but it depends on a variety of variables, doesn’t it?
You always assumed it would be that way, but fitness and shape are also factors to consider. He came in for Stoke and contributed; he has a no-fear mindset. He’s a lefty, which provides a great balance to the club. That is critical for any possession-focused squad, like as ours.
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