Sunderland defender Trai Hume admits early disappointment and anger fueled his rise to the Premier League. The Northern Ireland international wasn't scouted by an English or Scottish academy, starting his career with Ballymena United and Linfield in the Irish Premiership before a 2022 move to Sunderland.

Now 23, Hume has played 21 Premier League games this season after two promotions. He believes senior football in the Irish league offers a faster route to first-team experience, contrasting with the uncertainty of an English academy path where players can get stuck between teams.

His journey culminated in a play-off final win at Wembley and a personal highlight: a victory over his boyhood club Chelsea. With international teammate Daniel Ballard also impressing, Hume's path from the Irish Premiership to the top flight demonstrates an alternative route to success.