In Friday's 1-1 draw against Romania, the Sunderland star was part of a three-man defense that included skipper Paddy McNair and Eoin Toal, with Conor Bradley and Brodie Spencer operating as wing-backs.
Aided by the work and discipline of the midfielders and forwards in front of them, the back line comfortably dealt with almost everything the home side threw at them.
The Romanians were unbeaten in qualifying for Euro 2024 but struggled to break down Michael O'Neill's set-up, which was determined, organized and disciplined.
A mistake cost them, with Romania equalizing through Dennis Mann after Jamie Reid, who won his first cap, had given the visitors an early lead.
After the match, it was interesting to hear Hume point out that there was much more talk among those in green shirts as Northern Ireland backed up their fantastic 2-0 win over Denmark in November 2023 with another impressive display.
“We started well and getting the first goal helped us find our way into the game,” said Hume, who was voted 2023 Player of the Year by the fans.
“I think we know as a team about their goal, we could have done better, but I thought we dug deep, worked hard and a draw was a fair result.
“Usually under Michael, I played the full-back role but he decided to go with Connor and Brodie and I played in a back three. Obviously I'll do anything for the team, and I thought it was pretty easy and I fit in well.
“We had to be organized because Romania is a good team and especially in possession, they have good players.
“Out of possession, they press really well. Maybe we should have been a bit more direct to win their press, but we were well organised. We showed it against Denmark last year and we showed it again against Romania and it helped us get results.
“As a team, not just as a back five, we talked a lot more to each other, which makes it easier. As long as we continue to do that it will help us move forward.”
Taking on Scotland on their own patch, Hume continued: “Scotland are a good team. Obviously they are going to the Euros and they have Premier League and high quality players and we will have to be organized against them to try and get a result.
“We have a young team but the younger players are getting experience playing games. We have to keep building with these results because as young players, you want to build that momentum.”
