Journalist Josh Bunting has urged Sunderland manager Alex Neil to start young right-back Trai Hume against Coventry on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Sunderland’s opener

The Black Cats start their Championship campaign this weekend as they are set to face Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.

Neil is hoping the Wearside club will have made one or two additional signings by then, with his squad worryingly thin as they head into the first match of the new season.

As a result, a number of youngsters could receive extended minutes for the first few games, whilst the board sort out any potential incomings.

The Latest: Bunting’s claim

After watching the Black Cats face off against Hartlepool United in the recent 1-1 friendly, Bunting is buzzing with one of Sunderland’s most talented youngsters.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed:

“He has to start on Sunday for me, I trust Alex Neil immensely but in my opinion, Trai Hume has been the standout over pre-season. Fantastic tonight.”

The Verdict: Great potential

Having arrived in the North-East in January after joining from Northern Irish outfit Linfield for a mere £216,000 fee, Hume has stirred up a lot of excitement at the Stadium of Light.

At just 20-years-old, the full-back made over 50 senior appearances in his home country, and also amassed five caps for the U21 national team.

Having player under major pressure in the qualifying stages of the Champions League, Hume has since been handed three appearances for the Black Cats first-team, and with a full pre-season under his belt, this figure could increase significantly this season.