Sunderland ace labelled as 'terrific' named in Team of the Season so far along with Leeds United and West Brom men

Sunderland are joint-top of the Championship table with Sheffield United after an impressive start to the new season. The Black Cats are back in action this weekend following the international break with an away trip to The Den to face Millwall.

Regis Le Bris’ side drew 2-2 at home to Coventry City in their last outing. Here is a look at the Sky Sports Team of the Season so far, picked by David Prutton and Simeon Gholam...

GK: Michael Cooper, Sheffield United

RB: Trai Hume, Sunderland

Prutton said: “He's a big part of a team that's taken us all by surprise. He's been terrific, consistent and is playing to a very high standard in the Championship. He's doing very well as part of a good team.”

CB: Pascal Struijk, Leeds United

CB: Harry Souttar, Sheffield United

LB: Harrison Burrows, Sheffield United

CM: Vini Souza, Sheffield United

CM: Alex Mowatt, West Brom

RW: Romain Esse, Millwall

LW: Borja Sainz, Norwich City

ST: Haji Wright, Coventry City

ST: Josh Maja, West Brom

Manager: Regis Le Bris, Sunderland

“To take over a team in the manner he's done, without wholesale surgery to it, has been impressive. It's a very likeable side, with a nice mix of youth and experience. His team have been great to watch. They've shown real character and fortitude in games, and also been exciting to watch.”

Hume has made 15 appearances for Sunderland so far in this campaign and has been in impressive form. He is under contract with his current club until the summer of 2027 and will be eager to help them gain promotion to the Premier League this term.

He was handed a new deal in 2023 and he said at the time: "I'm still young and I'm certainly looking to play games. Hopefully we can have another good season but there is lots of work over the summer."

‘Grown in confidence’...

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "Trai was very patient in his first twelve months and worked tirelessly to refine his game. Since the new year he's gone from strength to strength, grown in confidence and his performances merit an improved and extended contract."

Hume started his career at Ballymena United before he was snapped up in 2013 by Linfield. He then rose up through the latter’s academy rank and was a regular for them at youth levels before breaking into the first-team as a teenager.

He went on to play 27 matches for their senior team and scored three goals before catching the eye of Sunderland. The North East outfit subsequently lured him over to England in 2021 and they were in League One when he joined them.

The Northern Ireland international initially had to bide his time before nailing down a place in their starting XI. He has played 97 games so far and is close to making his 100th appearance.

Hume has developed well over recent years and has become one of the Black Cats’ most prized assets. His performances haven’t been going unnoticed either with his inclusion in Sky Sports’ Team of the Season so far and Sunderland will hope he can continue.