REGIS Le Bris has a midfield problem at Sunderland - not that he's complaining.

Alan Browne missed yesterday's win over Sheffield Wednesday with a minor calf injury but the former Preston captain faces a fight to force his way back into the team when he's fit after a starring display from Chris Rigg.

But that competition for places will drive standards and squad depth will be vital this season, says Le Bris.

"It's a good question for a coach when we have many players able to play," said Sunderland's boss after enjoying the perfect first home game in charge of the Black Cats.

"If the competition is high in the team they will push together and the training sessions will be better, the solutions on the bench will be better and it's good for a long marathon like this league.

"We need this kind of problem as a coach, it's not a problem for me."

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Rigg impressed in the Carabao Cup defeat at Preston and built on that with an outstanding performance against the Owls.

Le Bris said: "Chris was good. It's another example of the possibility of the team to have other players who are able to play and when the opportunity arrives they are ready to start."

Le Bris now has a full week on the training pitches with his players ahead of Saturday's visit of Burnley and Browne is expected to be back in contention.

"Alan has a problem with his calf but it's not serious," said Le Bris.

Sunderland's boss is spoilt for choice in the middle of the park. Even in the absence of Browne, Le Bris still had Pierre Ekwah - whose future remains uncertain amid transfer interest from Italy - on the bench.

But Rigg, Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham worked extremely well as a trio against Wednesday, though Le Bris won't get carried away.

He said: "I was very impressed in this game. We will have other problems later but these three players are very complementary with their power, technique and IQ.

"There's a good balance. I repeat, that was this game and there will be other problems. But we know we need to keep improving."