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

Since Linfield swapped blue for red and white SunderlandHume embedded himself as a key figure in the Stadium of Light.

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

This season, he formed a defensive mainstay alongside Northern Ireland teammate Dan Ballard and contributed a goal and an assist.

“At the start of the season we had a job to do, and we did it,” he continued.

“We are not far from the European places, but we are pushing to be better and improve every day.

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

At international level, Hume’s development has coincided with the rise of other young talents such as Liverpoolof Connor Bradley and Crystal PalaceJustin Devenir.

Despite missing out on a World Cup place after being beaten by Italy in the play-off semi-finals, Hume added that it was an exciting time for the youth team.

“We’re obviously disappointed after the Italy game, but we’re a young team and we’re only going to improve by playing the best countries and the ones we’ve done in the last few years,” he added.

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