NORTHERN EXPOSURE

Trai feels it can only be of benefit for NI to have a host of players plying their trade in the Prem

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TRAI HUME believes reaching the Premier League with Sunderland will not only benefit himself and Daniel Ballard as players, but also the Northern Ireland squad as a whole.

The Black Cats' Championship play-off win over Sheffield United doubled the representatives of Michael O'Neill's squad in the top flight.

With Conor Bradley (inset) and Justin Devenny already excelling at Liverpool and Crystal Palace respectively, Hume feels he and Ballard can follow suit and ultimately bolster the international squad in the process.

"Yes, I don't think it's in any doubt that playing in the Premier League can help make you a better player," said Hume.

"You are exposing yourself to the best league in the world. You want to try your best to do well there and if you can, you are only going to become a better player.