Rigg stars and captains England to trophy joy

Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg captained England Under-16s as the side won a UEFADevelopment Tournament trophy in Cyprus last week.

Rigg, only 15-years-old, started two of England’s three matches in wins over Scotland and Denmark, while he came off the bench in a 3-0 victory over Cyprus.

The midfielder has made three appearances forsenior side in the FA Cup this season and was named on the bench for their Championship match at Blackpool.

Rigg has played regularly for the Black Cats’ Under21s side in recent weeks, but missed games against Derby and Aston Villa while away on international duty.

The midfielder could return when the young Black Cats face Stoke at E pp let on CW on Monday, March 6.

Rigg is not yet at an age where he can sign a at Sunderland, with Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, tracking his progress. Sunderland hope their unique selling point is that they can offer a genuine pathway to the first team.

Meanwhile, Sunderland midfielder Owen Robinson has joined Lancaster City on a youth loan deal, the club announced.

The 19-year-old has joined the Northern League Premier Division side on a 28-day loan after making 12 appearances for the Under-21s side this season also chipping in with a goal. Robinson has experience in non-league after playing for AFC Fylde in the National League North.

*Chelsea have announced defender T hi ago Silva suffered knee ligament damage during Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Tottenham.

The 38-year-old was forced off in the first half of the Blues’ loss to their London rivals and under went as canon his return to the club’s Cobham training centre on Monday.

Chelsea have not indicated how long the veteran Brazilian is expected to be sidelined for.

“Scan results have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible,” a club statement read.

The loss of a key player is a major blow to under-pressure Graham Potter, who has managed just two wins from Chelsea’s last 15 games.