Sunderland defender Trai Hume is aiming to make the most of his 'whirlwind' rise as the Black Cats star prepares for internationla action with Northern Ireland. Just 18 months after signing for Sunderland, Hume has become an important player for the club and recently signed a new deal keeping him on Wearside until 2027.
Hume was a vital part of Tony Mowbray’s side reaching the play-offs last season and will continue to be going forward. Currently on internationay duty with Northern Ireland, he has reflected on the past year and a half.
And ahead of Euro qualifiers against Denmark and Kazakhstan, Hume is targeting more success for both club and country.
“It’s good for me coming away with Northern Ireland," the 21-year-old said. "It’s a dream come true for every player especially from Northern Ireland.
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“It's been kind of a whirlwind, it happened very quickly, I didn’t really expect it to happen, when I moved to Sunderland, I’ve basically been involved in mostly all the camps since then. I'm trying my best to take it in my stride and enjoy it at the same time.”
Hume was called up the Northern Ireland set up in March 2022, just two months after signing for Sunderland, making his international debut against Hungary. He has since impressed for the Black Cats with his 34 appearances this season earning him another call up for Northern Irelands EURO 2024 qualifiers.
There is little doubt his club form and performances under Tony Mowbray are what has led to him becoming a regular in the Northern Ireland squads. And despite the agony of a play-off semi-final defeat last month, Hume feels the squad is good enough to go one better next term.
“Obviously for us as Sunderland we had a great season, we only got promoted last season and were in the play-offs, and maybe it was a step ahead too quickly," he added.
“I believe we were good enough and I’m sure all the players, fans and staff thought we were good enough to go up but unfortunately it didn’t happen, and we lost the play-offs, but it was a great season for everyone involved.”
Sunderland narrowly missed out on a play-off final after they were beaten by Luton Town – who went on to win promotion to Premier League – but Hume will remember the first leg forever, as he scored to send the Stadium of Light into raptures.
“It was definitely up there with one of the best moments, for the first five or ten seconds after scoring it I can't even remember it!" he said. "I had to watch it back. I was that happy and excited to score but it was a great moment”.
