Denver Hume reveals how he really feels about Sunderland's bid to bring in a new left-back

The academy graduate has been an ever-present for the Black Cats this season after a fine run of performances, but it is no secret that Phil Parkinson is keen to add another option on the left flank to his squad.

And Hume believes such competition throughout the squad can only benefit Sunderland as they look to push for promotion.

“I think it's good for everyone to have competition in the team,” said the 22-year-old.

“The squad is quite big and you could see tonight that quite a few lads have come in who haven't had a lot of game time so far this season. Competition is really good and if anything it drives you on more to keep playing your best football and do well.”

And Hume has certainly been playing some of his best football in the early weeks of this campaign, offering a major attacking threat and breaking into the box on a regular basis.

That, says the wing-back, is something that he has worked on with the club’s coaching staff in recent weeks – and it paid-off with a goal in the 5-3 win over Carlisle United.

“We've been playing in this formation since the gaffer came in really, so we've had a lot of chances to work on it - especially when we came back,” admitted Hume.

"We'd been away so long it was important to improve on what probably didn't work too well last season.

"That's something we worked on - those crosses, getting in at the back stick - and it's a massive part of our game. If we keep doing that, we are going to get goals from it.”

It’s not only in the final third where Hume has impressed, either.

He’s formed part of a back five who, until Tuesday evening, had not conceded from open play in any competition and who have still only shipped a solitary goal in League One.

So how does the wing-back reflect on his start to the campaign?

“I've really enjoyed it personally.

"When the season ended it was gutting for everyone and you're off for a couple of weeks and start to miss it and want to get back into it.

"I've just really enjoyed playing all the games, training. and that's probably showing on the pitch too. You can see we've got a really good group here and if we can keep doing what we're doing - we're seven unbeaten and that'll hold us in good stead.

“It's a great habit to get into, keeping clean sheets,” he continued.

"We welcome that and when the games start again in the league we want to keep that run going. We're seven unbeaten now and it's a good record.

"To start the season like that, not conceding many goals and if we can add some more goals further up the pitch, that will bode well for us.”

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