Hume reflects on 'whirlwind' rise after award win

Hume reflects on 'whirlwind' rise after award winImage source, Inpho & Getty ImagesImage caption, Trai Hume's impressive displays for Linfield earned him a move to Sunderland in 2022ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished2 minutes agoComments"In the last five years, I've gone from the Irish League to the Premier League."It is safe to say that Trai Hume's star has risen in recent years. Still only 24, the Ballymena native has progressed from breaking through in the Irish Premiership to becoming a key figure for Sunderland and wearing the captain's armband for Northern Ireland.Having come through the Ballymena United academy, Hume became one of Northern Ireland's most promising young talents at Linfield before making the move to Sunderland in 2022.Now a mainstay in the Black Cats line-up, he has featured in all 37 of their Premier League matches this season, playing a pivotal role as the Wearsiders chase down a European spot. The accolades have followed.Named Sunderland's 2024-25 player of the season, Hume was recently awarded the Northern Ireland Football Association Writers' International Player of the Year."Ever since I didn't go across the water at 16 and worked my way through the Irish League with Ballymena and Linfield, I think it's been a whirlwind of a journey," Hume told BBC Sport NI after the ceremony."In the last five years, I've went from the Irish League to the Premier League."When you think of it that way, it sounds a bit crazy, but it's just part of the journey that I've been on."Sunderland 'pushing every day to get better'Since swapping the Linfield blue for the red and white of Sunderland, Hume has embedded himself as a key figure at the Stadium of Light.The defender played a crucial role in the club's promotion to the Premier League before signing a new five-year deal at the club in 2025.This season, he has been a defensiv...