Northern Ireland make official announcement on Sunderland star Trai Hume
Sunderland supporters will be sitting tight as a host of their players represent their respective countries during the international break.
Trai Hume has left the North East to represent Northern Ireland as they prepare to face Luxembourg and Germany.
Sunderland received a bid for Hume earlier in the window, but the Black Cats countered that by handing him a fresh contract.
Now, Northern Ireland have made an official announcement on the right-back ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.
Trai Hume set for key Northern Ireland role against Luxembourg
Hume has often spoken about his admiration for Sunderland, having joined the club during their League One days.
The 23-year-old signed from Northern Irish outfit Linfield for relative tuppence and has gone on to become a fan favourite.
This summer, there has been a substantial overhaul on Wearside, meaning most of the promotion-winning side have lost their places.
Not Hume, though, who has played every single minute of Premier League action under Regis Le Bris.
Indeed, his quality and leadership have not gone unnoticed as he is set for a starring role on the international stage.
That is because Northern Ireland have announced on 3 August that Hume will captain his side against Luxembourg.
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Can Trai Hume keep his Sunderland starting place?
Hume may face competition for his Sunderland place, but he has only spoken positively about the new arrivals.
Before the transfer window, the Black Cats were significantly short of quality and depth, but they have made significant inroads to change that.
Lutsharel Geertruida will be a natural challenger for Hume’s shirt, while Nordi Mukiele can also play at right-back.
However, it would take an injury or a drop in form for the Northern Ireland captain to lose his place under Le Bris.
- The Black Cats paid around £200,000 for Hume
- He has made 135 appearances for Sunderland
- The defender has represented Northern Ireland 19 times
Hume was named as Sunderland’s Player of the Year for his exploits last season and has been a consistent performer in red and white.
If anything, the influx of defenders should only spur the defender on to perform even better at the Stadium of Light.
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