'Winning mentality' from clubs can help NI - Hume

Northern Ireland defender Trai Hume says he hopes the success players have had with their clubs will translate on to the international stage.

Hume and Ballard won promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland, Conor Bradley helped Liverpool to the league title and Justin Devenny won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace.

Northern Ireland face Denmark and Iceland in a double-header of friendlies over the next week in the final matches before the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying in September.

"There are four players there who won a lot this season and hopefully we can bring that winning mentality," said defender Hume.

"It definitely helps the team. Hopefully that can push the squad on further, we can keep pushing and get where we want to be as a nation."

Ballard added that the friendlies with Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday and at home to Iceland on Tuesday, are good preparations for the start of World Cup qualifying.

Michael O'Neill's side will face Luxembourg, Germany and Slovakia in their bid to reach a first World Cup since 2986.

"We have six really important games coming up towards the end of the year," said Ballard.

"We have been trying to nail down a few small things and there are a few new additions to the group.

"Playing against tough opposition like Denmark will help us against the likes of Luxembourg, Germany and Slovakia."