How Irish media viewed performances of Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume as verdict given

Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume were left frustrated figures as Northern Ireland threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 away in Luxembourg. Both players played the full 90 minutes on Monday night and despite the result the Irish still finished as runaway winners of the Nations League C Group 3.

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.”

Hume received a better rating from the Belfast Telegraph who gave him 8/10.

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Ballard managed another strong 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 they added: “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.”

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 play 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.

Ballard has shown during the November international break though that he’s ready to step back into the Championship whenever needed – a real boost for Le Bris who will welcome every option he can muster. Sunderland must face Millwall on Saturday without Hume, Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham who are all suspended.