Conor Washington has lavished praise on Sunderland pair Trai Hume and Dan Ballard.

Former Northern Ireland international Conor Washington has suggested that it is “no real surprise” to see compatriots Dan Ballard and Trai Hume thriving with Sunderland in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old, who has previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic, amongst others, represented his nation alongside the Black Cars duo on numerous occasions, and in his view, it is completely understandable that both have adapted to the rigours of the top flight so well.

Last season, Ballard and Hume played key roles as Sunderland not only avoided an immediate relegation to the Championship, but secured an improbable qualification to the Europa League.

And speaking to BylineCoverage, Washington has praised the pair highly. He said: “I’ve known them both a long time. Dan was a skinny little 17-year-old when I first met him, and his determination, his grit - and I think everybody’s heard the stories about how many times he got released and then re-signed at Arsenal - just really sums him up as a person and a player. He’s never let any setback affect him. He just seems to crack on and just get better and better and better.

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“It’s been absolutely fantastic to see them both do so well in the Premier League, and it’s no real surprise. I mean, Trai’s a brilliant footballer. You could see that from day one. He’s managed to make himself really effective at that level. He’s so aggressive, and his quality on the ball is there for all to see. So I don’t think it’s a huge surprise to see either of them doing so well.”

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