Despite Sunderland’s struggles so far in the 2023/24 campaign, both Dan Ballard and Trai Hume have received call-ups to the Northern Ireland national team for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Black Cats were tremendous last term and were perhaps even the biggest surprise package of the season as the newly-promoted side reached the playoffs, unfortunately losing in the semifinals to Luton Town.
However, this time around, the team’s form has been much different. Tony Mowbray’s men have won just once this season so far in the Championship and even exited the EFL Cup in the first round in a home defeat to Crewe Alexandra.
Little over a week ago, Football Insider reported that poor results and transfer disagreements have led to heightened tensions behind the scenes, with Mowbray walking on a tightrope at the moment with the board.
Poor form aside, Ballard and Hume will travel with Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland squad as the Green and White Army head to Slovenia and Kazakhstan in two crucial away matches for the country’s Euro 2024 hopes.
Ballard and Hume have started every single league game this season alongside one another on the right side of the defence.
During the last international break, Hume started twice under O’Neill but centre-back Ballard did not receive a call-up given the competition in the heart of the Northern Irish defence with the likes of Paddy McNair and Craig Cathcart and captain Johnny Evans.
Writer’s View
It’s always exciting for any footballer to earn a call-up for their national side and both Ballard and Hume will be thirsty to contribute to Northern Ireland’s potential Euro 2024 qualification even though the odds are looking slim.
Unfortunately for Ballard, the competition at the back is quite intense within the training camp so he may not receive as many minutes as his teammate at the Stadium of Light.
