'England involvement good for Rigg' - Gabbiadini

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has asked for his players to have their minutes managed while on international duty - but could time with England's Under-19's be just as valuable to midfielder Chris Rigg as time with his club?

The teenager played 22 minutes in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Wales and may feature again for Friday's home game against Turkey.

Rigg has been heavily involved in Sunderland's promotion chase this season, missing just four Championship games.

"It's good that he's involved," former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"His involvement with the coaching set-up and what's going on at England at the moment will be important for him in the future.

"He'll be thinking he's got a good chance of possibly one day being a senior international, which is a great step up for a player like him."

The young midfielder has not started any of Sunderland's past four matches, with the season's schedule beginning to take its toll. However, Gabbiadini believes the 17-year-old won't have his mind on rest.

"Young players just have that bit more vitality and bit more spring in their step," he added.

"People are thinking about too many minutes and things, he probably won't be thinking about that too much."

You can listen to Gabbiadini's full thoughts and more on the Total Sport podcast.