Northern Ireland's Trai Hume Reflects on International Experience Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Northern Ireland's Trai Hume Reflects on International Experience Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Northern Ireland's Trai Hume Reflects on International Experience Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Luxembourg vs. Northern Ireland

Venue: Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg Date: Thursday, 4 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One NI, BBC Three, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website, and app.

Trai Hume, a defender for Sunderland, credits his experience in international football with Northern Ireland for helping him adapt to the Premier League.

Hume joined Sunderland from Irish Premiership club Linfield in January 2022, when the team was in League One, and has since played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League.

He made his Northern Ireland debut just two months after relocating to England and is set to captain Michael O'Neill's squad in their opening World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Germany.

"It has probably helped me get used to playing alongside top players and understanding the level of concentration required for the entire 90 minutes," said Hume, 23, who has participated in all three of Sunderland's opening Premier League matches this season.

"I've always wanted to test myself at the highest level, so having the opportunity to do that this season is a dream come true. I hope to keep playing and continue improving."

After aiding Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs, Hume was linked with potential moves away from the Stadium of Light but opted to sign a new long-term contract in August.

He acknowledged interest from clubs across England and Europe but stated it was always a priority for him to secure a new deal with Sunderland.

"Since signing for the club in League One, I have enjoyed every moment. It feels even more rewarding to have helped Sunderland progress from League One to where we belong in the Premier League," Hume expressed.

"While joining a Premier League club is significant, there is an added emotional satisfaction in knowing you've been part of the journey all the way through. Our goal this season is to maintain our position in the league and continue to push forward."

'Proud and Happy' to Captain Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Luxembourg on Thursday, followed by a match against Germany in Cologne on Sunday.

Manager Michael O'Neill rotated the captain's armband during last year's Nations League campaign and has entrusted Hume with the role for the September double-header.

"I am really proud and happy to take on this responsibility. However, wearing the armband doesn't change my approach; I will do my best to support my teammates," Hume stated.

In their previous encounter with Luxembourg during the Nations League, Northern Ireland took a two-goal lead in November but ended up drawing 2-2, which was sufficient for promotion from League C.

Hume recognizes that the upcoming match will be challenging, despite Luxembourg being the lowest-ranked team in Group A, which also includes Slovakia. "We have faced them twice recently in the Nations League, and we know it won't be an easy match. We drew 2-2 in our last game against them here, so we are fully focused and prepared for this one."

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