Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume were once again in action for Northern Ireland in their latest Nations League clash.
Sunderland defenders Dan Ballard and Trai Hume are two of the first names on the team-sheet for Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side.
The pair have been regulars for some time now and played alongside each other in Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win over Belarus earlier in the November international break.
Ballard won the Man of the Match award as the Sunderland man steps up his return from injury, having played just once in the Championship since September.
Meanwhile, Hume is one of the Sunderland players suspended for Millwall on Saturday, and so Regis Le Bris will be pleased he’s staying match fit during the international break.
On Monday night, however, Northern Ireland let slip a 2-0 lead against Luxembourg.
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How Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume performed in latest Northern Ireland outing
Both players played the full 90 minutes on Monday night. Northern Ireland were two goals in front by the 50th minute mark but eventually drew 2-2, still finishing top of their Nations League group though.
Belfast Live gave both Ballard and Hume 7/10 ratings. They wrote on Ballard: “Led the young backline very well especially late on,” and on Hume: “Has made the position his own. An integral part of the defence.”
Belfast Telegraph though gave Hume an 8/10 score, and Ballard 7/10. They wrote on Ballard: “Kept things tidy and helped organise the defence during a brief Luxembourg flurry towards the end of the first half.
“A natural leader, he will feel the frustration of Northern Ireland yielding to a draw more than most.”
And on Hume: “Was ever attentive against wily Luxembourg danger man Daniel Sinani.
“On the form he has shown in recent games, few forwards will relish a task against the consistently robust Sunderland man.”
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How Sunderland’s defence could look vs Millwall with Dan Ballard in line for chance
With Hume suspended for the upcoming game against Millwall, it could spell a reshuffle, and a possible chance for Ballard to regain his spot in the starting XI.
Many on social media think that Le Bris might push Luke O’Nien out to the right for one game, then playing Ballard and Chris Mepham in the middle.
But when Hume is back, he no doubt takes the right-back spot again, leaving Le Bris with a centre-back dilemma.
Sunderland fans think O’Nien keeps his spot in the XI alongside Chris Mepham who’s impressed in recent weeks.
Ballard has shown during the November international break though that he’s ready to step back into the Championship whenever needed, with a couple of strong performances for Northern Ireland.
Hume has also shown just how crucial he is for both club and country. This weekend’s game against Millwall could really highlight the importance of Hume who misses out.