Trai Hume reveals what Luke O’Nien said after Sunderland captaincy decision
Trai Hume has been a fantastic servant for Sunderland.
The defender joined the club in 2022 and has played an integral part in their rise from League One to the Premier League.
Hume started 44 out of 46 matches in the Championship under Regis Le Bris last term, including the further three in Sunderland’s successful play-off campaign.
Despite the ambitious recruitment over the summer, Hume still has a part to play at the Stadium of Light, and has been handed the captain’s armband in place of Granit Xhaka across recent weeks.
The right-back has provided insight on his new role, as well as what former club captain Luke O’Nien had to say.
Trai Hume proud of captain’s role at Sunderland
Hume, 23, has made 157 appearances for the Black Cats since his bargain £200,000 move from Linfield, continuing to grow in importance throughout his time on Wearside.
Captaining the side in Xhaka’s absence, Hume told the Sunderland Echo: “I’m really proud. When we knew Granit wasn’t playing, the boss spoke to me before the game and said I’d wear the armband.”
Sunderland would fall to a 3-1 defeat away at West Ham that day, but would more than make amends a week later with a 3-0 win against Burnley on home soil.
“It was a proud moment and showed faith in me. I’m really proud of the boys, and I think that shows not just in games, but in training and how you apply yourself. It’s a real honour,” said Hume in the aftermath of Monday’s win.
The defender also mentioned the method in which Le Bris broke the news, involving former Sunderland club captain Luke O’Nien.
“It was just before the West Ham game. He called me in for a meeting and brought Luke with me. When he told me, Luke was probably more smiley than me. That’s just how he is.
“Luke said after the game tonight how proud he was of how far I’ve come and the responsibility I’ve taken on. That means a lot.”
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Sunderland still have room for lower league heroes
Despite both Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida arriving over the summer – both comfortable in Hume’s natural right-back position – the Northern Ireland international has still been able to make his mark on the Premier League.
Sunderland have invested heavily in both experience and youth, with the aforementioned pair arriving alongside Xhaka, while the likes of Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra are looking to make their name on Wearside.
There is still room, though, for the heroes that got Sunderland to the Premier League in the first place.
Whenever called upon, Hume has remained available and reliable, and still has a big role to play as Sunderland look to solidify themselves as a top-half side in the Premier League.
The Black Cats sit eighth in the standings, and are well in the race for European football.
Sunderland are now preparing for a trip to North London, where they will take on league leaders Arsenal after holding the Gunners to a 2-2 draw in November.