safc.com caught up with youngster Denver Hume in the latest edition of 'Behind the Shirt' as he delivered an update on his road to recovery.
Denver, it has been a while since you last played football due to your injury, what have you been doing in that time to get yourself fit and ready to go?
It has been tough because I have had to get used to not playing. I haven’t played since last season so it has been a long time! I have spent the time getting used to it and being in the gym and making sure I give myself the best chance of getting back as quickly as possible.
How frustrating is it to be sidelined for the length of time you have?
It has been hard but I suppose I have just tried to focus my attentions on making sure I can improve and get better in the gym. When I do get back fit I want to make sure I can hit the ground running quickly and I believe that all starts by doing plenty of work in the gym.
When I was first out it was hard because you always want to be able to play games when the new season is approaching. I can’t dwell on it though because I have to look at it in the right way because even though I’m not playing, I’m getting fitter and stronger with all the gym work I’m doing.
You’ve come through the club’s youth ranks and completed your scholarship last summer, what was that like?
It was really, really good! It is different this year being a professional because the competition is a lot hard. We are in and around the first team a lot more so it’s much more difficult. That said, it’s something I have to adapt to because its where I want to be so it’s a great chance to improve and make the step up. When the chance does come round I need to make sure I take it.
Who do you look up to in the first team?
I would probably say Patrick van Aanholt because he plays in the same position as me. At the back end of last season he was vital in what the club achieved. All the players are great and good examples of role models. John O’Shea has won everything there is to win at club level and it just shows you what you can achieve with years of hard work and commitment.
For the next couple of weeks I’m sure it’s all about getting back to full fitness?
It’s all about taking time and making sure I am right and ready to play. I have to be patient and make sure I am in the best possible shape.
There have been a host of players who have come through Sunderland’s youth system in the last year, most recently Joel Asoro and Josh Maja, a great inspiration I'm sure?
It’s something to look up to, yes. Joel has taken his chance really well and it just shows if you work hard then you are going to get your chance. But when you do, you have to be ready to take it because you might only get one bite of the cherry.
