HISTORY-MAKING midfielder Chris Rigg - who was wanted by Newcastle and Manchester United - has committed himself to Sunderland and signed a two-year scholarship deal, in what is a huge boost for the Black Cats.

Rigg became Sunderland's youngest ever outfield player when he made his debut from the bench in the FA Cup third round victory at Shrewsbury, aged 15 years and 203 days.

He went on to make two more appearances in the cup against Fulham and was also named in the matchday squad for Sunderland's Championship game at Blackpool in January.

Rigg could have walked away from Sunderland for nothing this summer, with Manchester United and neighbours Newcastle among the clubs who have been monitoring the teenager's situation.

But having been given a taste of first team football on Wearside and with Sunderland placing so much faith in young players as part of their exciting vision going forward, Rigg shunned the interest from elsewhere and put pen to paper on a two-year scholarship deal.

He's one of nine players handed scholarship contracts, with Aaron Chung, Ben Kindon, Ben Metcalf, Daniel Parker, Jack Whittaker, Jaydon Jones, Matthew Young and Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi all signing deals.

Academy manager Robin Nicholls said: “Although they have a long way to go, we are excited by the potential that the group have displayed both collectively and individually over several seasons now. They have regularly been one of the most exciting academy teams to watch and several have been recognised through selection for youth international squads.

"We are delighted to secure them as scholars with the club and look forward to seeing how they develop over the next few seasons.”

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All of the scholars will form part of Adam Asghar’s Sunderland Under-18s side next season, though Rigg is likely to again get the chance to dip his toes into first team waters. He regularly trained with the first team last season and boss Tony Mowbray said: "I've no fear putting Chris Rigg on the pitch.

"I'm watching him in training today and to be honest you wish you could put that fire in his belly into some other players.

"He gets wellied right into everyone, he doesn't look at reputation. He gets stuck in, wins tackles. Why wouldn't you put him on the pitch?

"He's got qualities that I really like and I know the fans of this club will really like. But he's still a spindly boy at this point and we do have to be careful with him. I've no fears of putting him on the pitch, he's not going to be scared or overawed.

“He's going to tackle the nearest opponent to him and drive with the ball, pick a pass, keep running... that's what he does.

"I'm very aware still of how delicate it is with his age. He'll get dropped in and dropped out and we'll explain to him why when it's the latter."