RIGG TO STEP UP

We'll be seeing more of Chris Rigg in the absence of Habib Diarra. The teenager impressed on his first Premier League start but was the unlucky one to be subbed off after Reinildo's red card. Regis Le Bris has praised Rigg's reaction this week and also explained how the experienced core have been helping the likes of Riggy...

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“Yes, probably. He played really well last season in the Championship and showed his qualities, but his consistency as well. The Championship was really tough and he was probably a bit exhausted at the end. This season, he got an early injury so wasn’t connected with the flow of the squad at the beginning but worked hard to reconnect with the squad. When he had this opportunity to start after Habib’s injury, it was just natural. I wasn’t surprised or worried about using a new player, even if he is really young, because he works hard every day, he knows how we are playing and he has talent. So, it is a positive for a coach I think.”

SHOW HIS QUALITIES

“It was only 35 minutes, so we will need more experiences to find out how he can play and help the squad. But I wasn’t surprised by his level and the way he connected with the game plan and with his teammates on the right side, and how he pressed with Wilson because they used to do that last season. It wasn’t a new setup. Now, we will see because I repeat - every game is a new experience, a new problem, a new scenario, with new opportunities and new problems to solve. He is well-rounded so I am not worried about him in the squad.”

REACTION TO EARLY SUB

“Really positive. He was frustrated and disappointed, which is normal, and we had to accept his reaction. But one of his main qualities is that he is a squad player. He can manage his frustrations for the squad, for the collective purpose. He is young and his reaction was really balanced so for me, it is normal to accept his frustration. But at the same time, he can keep the right level and stay connected with the output of the squad.”

YOUTH & EXPERIENCE

“It was a really important purpose of the transfer window to keep the balance. One of the main points at the club is to promote talented new players, to help them learn and grow. They will grow and learn if they have strong foundations. For example Granit, or Omar, or Nordi, are more experienced and they will help the younger players to grow.”

XHAKA INFLUENCE

“I think many teams, even in the Premier League, would have been happy to sign Granit. When we had the opportunity it was an obvious choice. The way we are experiencing his presence at Sunderland confirms that idea. Playing at that level for so many years and with his standards and how he behaves every day, he is really impressive.”