Sunderland full back Reece James has been praising his teammate Denver Hume, suggesting the youngster has a big future in the game.

Along with Bryan Oviedo, the three have been vying for a start on the left hand side of the Black Cats defence, but James has revealed that both him and the Costa Rican international have been helping Hume to develop and improve.

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“You try and help the younger lads and I try to do it a lot more with people in my position," he told the Sunderland Echo.

“So Denver I’ve tried speaking to quite a bit, you see the build he’s got and he’s destined to have a very good career. You just try and give him as much advice as you can here and there, I’m sure Bryan [Oviedo] will be doing the same to him.”

Hume has made nine appearances for the Black Cats, with six of those coming as starts in League One. He recently agreed a new two-year deal with the club.

The 20-year-old made his debut on the final day of the Championship relegation season as a late substitute against Wolves, but fought into the first team this season only to suffer an injury blow.

James, on the other hand, is still uncertain about his future, although Stewart Donald recently suggested there is a one-year option on his current deal in his favour, which looks set to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light.

The Verdict

If Hume can stay injury free and continue to develop at the rate he has done this season, then he does have a big future at the club.

He's young and full of energy and had he not be struck down early doors he might have 30 odd outings to his name.

It'll be a great battle between him and Reece James next season, but Bryan Oviedo is unlikely to settle for third place.