Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard have played a big role in Sunderland’s early-season success

Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard have played a big role in Sunderland’s early-season success

Michael O’Neill says he’s thrilled to see Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume playing the best football of their careers, but he expects Sunderland’s dynamic duo to become even better players in the coming years.

Ballard (26) and 23-year-old Hume have made a smooth transition to the Premier League after reaching the elite stage this year.