Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough says he “enjoyed” Trai Hume’s debut against Hungary and likened the Sunderland youngster’s late impact to that of Liverpool’s Conor Bradley.
Bradley, who was unavailable for this month's friendly window, produced a fearless performance in his Windsor Park bow in a scoreless draw with Switzerland in September.
And like the talented Anfield right-back, Hume also put his hand up for more game time after producing a vibrant cameo after replacing Daniel Ballard in the 81st minute.
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The 20-year-old slotted in seamlessly, produced a number of raiding runs and forced a save from the Hungarian keeper with a late header.
“Trai was fearless,” said Baraclough. “It was almost like another Conor Bradley when he first came in. No fear and he went at his man.
“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.
“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.”
Baraclough said Hume, who joined Sunderland from Irish League champions Linfield in January, was surprised when told he was going on.
“I think it took Trai by surprise because when I looked back at the subs, he still had all his warm gear on!” he smiled.
“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’.
"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.”
On Instagram, Hume, who said recently his main goal as a player was to play for Northern Ireland, described his senior debut as a “dream come true”.
He wrote: “Unbelievable feeling making my debut. Dream come true.”
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