Kevin Phillips says Chris Rigg has the world at his feet after derby display | OneFootball

Kevin Phillips has hailed Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg after his influential Tyne-Wear derby display at St James’ Park, saying he has the world at his feet. According to Sunderland Echo, he was speaking after last weekend’s win over Newcastle United.

Rigg started on the right wing and looked assured despite limited Premier League experience. At the time of writing he has 13 top flight appearances, having recently returned to Regis Le Bris’ XI for the 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Phillips noted that, at 18, the midfielder had inevitably hit a brief slump but credited him for responding, calling his Newcastle showing fantastic and insisting he is a very good player.

He felt recent criticism of Rigg’s reduced role was very harsh and said the player had answered it on the pitch. If Rigg sustains this form into next season, Phillips is pretty certain he will earn an England call-up.

Le Bris said Rigg has rebuilt trust through training, earning credit with attitude, resilience and character. He added that the youngster had earlier lacked composure on the ball, which affected team-mates’ confidence to find him, but that it is now the opposite and shows young players need time.

Source: Sunderland Echo