Trai Hume to lead Northern Ireland against Luxembourg in Nations League

Trai Hume has been appointed as the captain for Northern Ireland's Nations League opener against Luxembourg, taking place at Windsor Park. At just 22 years old, Hume has shown leadership qualities during his time at Sunderland, where he plays as a full-back. Michael O’Neill, the team’s manager, emphasized Hume's ability to lead a young squad, despite the absence of experienced players like Jonny Evans, who has retired from international football. Hume's leadership experience includes captaining various youth teams, including the under-18s and under-19s for Northern Ireland. He expressed pride in receiving the captaincy for the senior team but aims to maintain his focus on performance rather than the added responsibility. O’Neill acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to a younger squad, noting that while the team may lack experience, there is potential for quality and growth over time. Corry Evans, a seasoned midfielder, has been included in the squad to provide some continuity, having previously played alongside Evans in past matches. The team is undergoing significant changes, with only five players remaining from their last encounter with Luxembourg in March 2022. Jamal Lewis, who recently secured a loan move to Sao Paulo, missed training but is expected to contribute to the match. O’Neill praised Lewis for his decision to pursue opportunities abroad, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the evolving landscape of the team.