Chris Rigg speaks out after netting first Sunderland goal in Crewe defeat

Chris Rigg scored his first professional goal for Sunderland v Crewe Alexandra last night.

Sunderland lost at home to Crewe Alexandra on penalties last night, with the Black Cats exiting the EFL Cup in the opening round.

The defeat is a disappointing one and makes for an extended poor start to the season for Tony Mowbray's side, who lost their opening game of the Championship at home to Ipswich Town.

But last night's game saw youngster Chris Rigg score his first professional goal for the club, with the 16-year-old scoring in the 64th minute to become the competition's youngster ever goal-scorer.

After the game, Rigg spoke to the media, and he's quoted by Sunderland Echo as saying:

“It feels good obviously. I’ve not long been in the squad as like a rotation player, just doing my job for the team really. Unlucky with the result, hopefully we can move onto Preston and get a win.”

Rigg added:

“Hopefully I can kick on later on in the season, get a few more goals and just hopefully get a good place in the league and then maybe be a starter next season. That’s the goal.”

Rigg could've left Sunderland in the summer, with Newcastle United among the Premier League teams to have shown an interest. But he instead penned a two-year scholarship with the Black Cats and Mowbray has rewarded him with first-team exposure.

And now, Rigg could be closing in on his league debut for the Black Cats, with the youngster himself perhaps suggesting that he's set to be involved in the game v Preston this Saturday.

The player is enjoying a remarkable rise through the ranks at Sunderland and in Mowbray, he has a manager who's arguably one of the best in the league at nurturing young talent.

Preston v Sunderland kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

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