Trai Hume: Sunderland and Northern Ireland defender reflects on ‘whirlwind’ career

Since swapping the Linfield blue for the red and white of Sunderland, Hume has embedded himself as a key figure at the Stadium of Light.

The defender played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League before signing a new five-year deal at the club in 2025.

This season, he has been a defensive mainstay alongside Northern Ireland team-mate Dan Ballard and has chipped in with a goal and an assist.

“We had a job at the start of the season to stay up, and we’ve done that,” he continued.

“We’re not far off the European spot, but we’re just pushing every day to get better and improve.

“If we can get up there at the end of the season, then it’s something that we can be proud of. “

At international level, Hume’s development has coincided with the rise of other younger talents such as Liverpool’s Conor Bradley and Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny.

Despite missing out on a World Cup spot after being beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Italy, Hume added that it is an exciting time for the youthful squad.

“We’re obviously disappointed off the back of the Italy game, but we’re a young side and we’re only going to get better and improve with playing top nations that we have been in the last couple of years,” he added.

“I think obviously we’re disappointed about the game, but we’ll learn from it and come back, and we’ll obviously get better and better.”