Hume a little surprised by Northern Ireland international call-up

Sunderland defender Trai Hume says it was a big surprise when he found out he’d been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time.

The 19-year-old joined the Black Cats from Linfield FC in January and has made two LeagueOneappearancessince the move.

Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has named a 25man squad for this month’s friendly matches against Luxembourg

and Hungary.

Speaking about his call up, Hume, who has played for his country’s under-21 side, said: “Making my international debut would be a dream. I think my family would be more proud of me doing that than anything else.

“I am realistic and try to set goals that are not too far away, like for six months and a year to see what I can do in that time, and then if stuff comes it comes. It wasn’t something I was expecting this soon.

“IthoughtifIdidcomehere and get a run of games I might have got it, but I’ve only played a couple so I wasn’t really expecting it.

“Obviously, I thought I got on quite well when I did play for the Under-21s, but I didn’t think it was this close.

“Ringing my dad and my mum, they were actually more excited than me becauseI’mquiteachilledperson and don’t get excited over too many things. They were over the moon.”

When recalling his phone call from Baraclough, Hume added: “I woke up on Sunday morning and we were coming into the training ground to train after the game on Saturday. I saw a number come up on my phone and I was kind of thinking who is that?

“I answered and obviously

Ian said it was him. I was kind oflikewhat’sheringingmefor?

“He gave me the news and I didn’tknowwhattosay.Iprobably said thank you about five or six times.”

Sunderland captain Corry Evans has also been named in the Northern Ireland squad, meaning the Black Cats’ home gameagainstRotherhamcould be postponed.

*Lincoln City boss Michael Appletonislookingatanemergency

loan deal to solve his goalkeeping crisis ahead of his side’sclashwithSunderlandon Saturday.

Appleton once again had to field rookie stopper Josh Wright in their 2-0 win at AFC Wimbledon.

That’s after on-loan West BromkeeperJoshGriffithssufferedaseason-endingankleinjury.Back-upoptionSamLong is unable to return from his loan spell at Drogheda United.