'We'll be kicking ourselves': Denver Hume makes this Sunderland promotion claim ahead of comeback

Denver Hume says the Sunderland squad will be ‘kicking themselves’ if they aren’t in promotion contention come the end of the season.
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The full-back is set to return to the first-team fold in the near future after a hamstring injury saw him miss several months of the campaign.

Hume will no doubt be keen to help the Black Cats continue their push towards the automatic promotion places in League One, with the side having shot up the table after an 11-game unbeaten run.

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And the academy graduate believes the squad that Lee Johnson has at his disposal means that promotion has to be the sole aim.

Denver Hume makes this Sunderland promotion claim ahead of comebackDenver Hume makes this Sunderland promotion claim ahead of comeback
Denver Hume makes this Sunderland promotion claim ahead of comeback

“I think we can definitely achieve a lot this season, and there’s still so much to play for,” he said, speaking to SAFC.com.

“We entered a bit of a sticky patch since I’ve been injured, and for a while now we’ve picked up and earned some good results.

“We have to just try and keep that going, stay consistent, and winning at Wembley too – that can breed confidence. With the squad we have, I think you could say we’ll be kicking ourselves if we don’t give ourselves a chance to get promoted.

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“That’s been the aim since we got relegated to League One – the only aim we have is to go up.”

Hume’s was set to step up his comeback in a friendly on Tuesday, but will face some stern competition to get back into the side upon his return with Callum McFadzean and Jake Vokins impressing in the last week.

But that level of competition is welcomed by Hume.

“It’s always good to have teammates to compete with for a place,” he admitted.

"It’s a challenge that pushes you to do well and keeps your performances to the highest standards possible.

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“You want to make that shirt yours, and I think it’s healthy. If you look at our squad now, I think we have that depth and competition in every position, and it’s very useful for when you have injuries. Our central defensive area is a prime example with Bailey [Wright], Tom Flanagan and Jordan Willis all out.

“With the number of games being played and the season as compressed and busy as it is, you need to have that cover all over the pitch.”

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