Sunderland defender Denver Hume has thanked manager Jack Ross for backing him to deliver the goods for his club following a mixed start to the 2019/20 League One campaign.

Despite illustrating signs of promise against Oxford United on the opening day for the Black Cats, the 21-year-old was substituted at half-time in the club's clash with Ipswich Town by his boss after a dismal display at Portman Road.

Undeterred by this setback,  Hume has since delivered encouraging performances against the likes of Burnley, AFC Wimbledon and Accrington Stanley.

During Saturday's clash with Stanley, the defender managed to provide an assist for Lynden Gooch as Sunderland secured a 3-1 victory.

Having allowed full-backs Reece James and Bryan Oviedo leave the Stadium of Light earlier this summer, Ross' only other option in this position besides Hume is loanee Laurens De Bock.

Despite De Bock boasting Championship experience from his time at Leeds United, the Sunderland boss opted to utilise Hume at the Crown Ground on Saturday.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo about Ross, the defender said: "The manager's great with me.

"He tells me when I've done well and when I can do better, so that's always good.

"The staff know I'm a young player and that I'm going to make mistakes every now and then but I think that is part of football.

"That's how you learn.

Hume later added: "I think that is the only way I'm going to improve.

"I can only thank the manager for having faith in me."

The Verdict

Having produced an assured performance against Accrington Stanley last Saturday, Hume will now be determined to push on.

Whilst the full-back will have to be wary of De Bock's presence, there is no reason why this added competition cannot result in him taking his game to new heights over the coming months.

If Hume does become one of Sunderland's star performers, he could play a major role in helping the club secure promotion to the second-tier next May.