Trai Hume has been singled out for praise by Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough, who spoke of Trai’s tenacity. His cameo against Hungary was very bright and Trai was over the moon to make his debut, describing it as ‘a dream come true’. Though our makeshift back three seem to have got a great understanding at the moment and you would be mad to alter a defence that has made a habit of keeping clean sheets, Baraclough’s comments certainly make the case for Hume’s use at right wing back going forward.
FEARLESS
“Trai was fearless. It was almost like another Conor Bradley when he first came in. No fear and he went at his man.”
POSSESION
“He also managed to get on the end of a cross and the keeper had to parry one out. I also enjoyed it when he was in possession as well.”
DEBUT
“Trai came on with 10 minutes left and it’s difficult to get into a game never mind make your debut, but he’s gone at the full-back, got a cross in and got on the end of something at the back post.”
SURPRISE
“I think it took Trai by surprise because when I looked back at the subs, he still had all his warm gear on! I don’t think he was expecting to get on. I pointed at him and he went ‘me?’ I was like ‘come on’. I just said to him ‘be confident’ and ‘be proactive’.”
IRISH LEAGUE
"I didn’t have any preconceived ideas to get Trai off the bench, but for a young player making his debut, where three months ago he was playing Irish League football... brilliant.”
