Former Sunderland striker Don Goodman can understand Chris Rigg's head being turned by the transfer interest from Premier League clubs.

Rigg's first team breakthrough at Sunderland at 15 years of age has led to enquiries arriving from Manchester United and Northeast rivals Sunderland.

However, Goodman insists the teenager should stay with the Black Cats, where he is sure manager Tony Mowbray will be good for his development.

On behalf of OLBG, Goodman told Tribalfootball.com: "I think Tony Mowbray would have watched his development, had him training with the first team and would have seen he was ready to play a few minutes.

"Not a load of minutes, but enough to start his development process.

"I think that's what is going on and I don't think Chris Rigg could be in better hands than he is with Tony Mowbray.

"Regardless of any bids from any big clubs, if I was Chris Rigg, I would be looking at the way Sunderland want to move forward.

"They're a club developing young players, give them an opportunity, coach them and improve them as players.

"It's a long-term project at Sunderland and Rigg, if he's good enough, will get an opportunity.

"If he goes to another club, we've seen it before where they get stuck in their academies and eventually get loaned out where it doesn't quite work out.

"I just think he's in an environment with the right surroundings and the right head coach who will bring him along at the right rate.

"So, if I was advising him, I would say stay where you are, develop as a player and see where it takes you."

For more from Don Goodman on Chris Rigg, watch below: