Sunderland's teen star Chris Rigg on playing as a schoolboy and emulating Jordan Henderson

Chris Rigg was so young when he first played for he'd sneak into training in his school uniform.

Now he wants to follow the example of Sunderland academy product and win it all.

Career landmarks, and age records, are coming early for Sunderland’s goal scoring midfielder, England’s U18 captain and a teenager scouted by , and . So young that he would get the bus from Hebburn Comp to the Academy of Light after GCSE lessons to play in first team training.

“I would take my tie off quickly, and get into kit before anyone saw me. It was mad. I was trying to hide! Take the tie off, trying to look cool! It is funny when I look back.

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“But our players here were unbelievable with me. At 15, I was so scared going into training, or match days. They were so welcoming and took me in. I couldn’t have done it without them, or Tony Mowbray,” explained Rigg.

He juggled being a star in red and white one minute. Then was back at school with year 7 kids asking for photos the next. At break times, the lads woud “only let me go in goal”, so the kick abouts stayed fair.

In January last year, at 15 and 203 days, he became Sunderland’s second youngest player in history. In August last year, just after turning 16, he scored in the EFL Cup against Crewe and became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer and the youngest in the competition’s history. A month later he scored his first Championship goal against , earning the accolade of youngest ever league scorer.

Now, with 35 Sunderland appearances and five goals under his belt aged 17 and a half, he’s become a regular starter for new coach Regis Le Bris’s table topping side. He has been crowned EFL Young Player of the Month, and won EFL goal of the Month for his cheeky, improvised back heel which helped beat Boro.

“Obviously when I get awards they can’t give me Champagne because I am too young! They give me chocolates instead, which is decent.”

Early rewards for the dedication of “walking to training with my dad because he didn’t drive - sometimes in the snow.” Rigg has been highlighted as the next big thing by rich clubs. Last week he skippered England U18s, and, yes, wants to go all the way.

Rigg signed a new three year deal, despite interest from clubs and abroad. “I signed because I have trust in the club and the manager. I am playing, we are top of the league, I am getting kicked around and learning and have freedom.”

He takes a seat for his first ever interview and is told to relax by a club official, and says: “I am, but I’m also serious about my job!” How serious? He wants to battle to the very top - inspired by local boy Jordan Henderson.

He says: “I want to master everything. Yes, I am very serious about it. I want to be box-to-box and score goals. I like a tackle, and to defend. I get kicked but I can give it out too. I have scored two this season and got into the right areas at the right time.

"I said at the start of the season I want to add numbers to my game - goals and assists. I want to be energetic. I always studied wingers and little tricky players. I used to watch Neymar, Arjen Robben. I am different now. I love . He was unbelievable and that is the type I’d try to be. He can stop a goal, and score goals.

“Jordan Henderson started out here. He has done so much, captain, trophies, , England. He is very local too. He is similar but more of a deeper midfielder. I like to be in the pockets in front of the striker. I’d love to pick his brains about his career. He’d probably say: Riggy do one!

"It is hard to start so young, with expectations, and he dealt with them so well. He has captained big teams and could give me some advice. I would love to do what Jordan has done in his career, win the , captain England, and play in the biggest games. I want to play at the very highest level. But I am not pressuring myself. What is the point?

"It can take time to become a player in the higher leagues. You can set mini targets. But everyone dreams. I am doing my dream now right here!”

Sunderland’s table topping start has been refreshing after some angst-ridden seasons. Rigg explained: “There was a change of mood with a new gaffer (Le Bris) coming in. He got right in with the lads. Now it is rocking across the city because we are top and doing so well. The atmosphere is bouncing in the town and even away games. We would not be there but for the fans. That positive atmosphere helps because I like to take risks on the pitch.

"If you make a mistake they don’t put you down. They are very good. We want to maintain that atmosphere and the performances. I see myself as a leader. I captain England U18s. Coming up as a first teamer I didn’t want to change that. I wanted to be myself. I like to demand and show my personality.”

He has another challenge coming up, which is trying to pass his driving test. And I’m doing a bit of school still. “I did my GCSEs. Yes, I passed them. Well, most of them. I failed Maths, but I’m working on it now.” Always up for the next challenge.

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