​BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Phil Bardsley (centre) of Sunderland celebrates his goal with team mates Titus Bramble and Danny Welbeck during the Barclays Premier Leaue match between Birmingham City and Sunderland at Villa Park, on January 5, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) | Getty Images This article is brought to you in association withbetGoodwin.Following on from our conversation with former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley about the Black Cats’ Premier League and European prospects, we turn our attention to the current squad.And Bardsley has plenty to say.The former right-back was particularly complimentary about two of Sunderland’s key figures – Granit Xhaka and Trai Hume – while also revealing which member of the current squad reminds him most of himself.When asked which Sunderland player he would compare himself to, Bardsley admitted there wasn’t an obvious answer in terms of playing style.However, personality-wise, one name immediately stood out.“I’m not sure there’s an obvious comparison. But personality-wise, I’d probably say Granit Xhaka.”Bardsley believes Xhaka’s influence goes well beyond what he contributes during matches, highlighting the standards the experienced Switzerland international sets around the club.“You can see the standards he sets, both on the training pitch and in matches,” he said.“He seems to go a long way with the people around the club as well.”That is something Bardsley believes he shared with Xhaka during his own career.“I always felt that was one of my strengths: regardless of who someone was or where they were in the pecking order, everyone deserved to be treated the same way.”“Xhaka has a bit of quality and class in the way he carries himself and looks after people around the training ground and stadium. I’d like to think I had similar qualities in that respect.”Bardsley impressed by Hume’s developmentBardsley was equally positive when asked about Trai Hume.Having played the position himself, he has been able to watch Hume’s development from League One to the Championship, the Premier League and international football.“He’s been brilliant,” Bardsley said.“He’s come through League One and the Championship, moved up through the football pyramid and performed at the highest level. He’s done that at international level as well.”Hume’s increasingly important role within Sunderland’s tactical structure has caught Bardsley’s eye, with the Northern Ireland international often moving into a narrower midfield position.And Bardsley believes that role could suit him perfectly.“That narrower midfield role suits him,” he explained.“It adds another layer of solidity in the middle of the pitch, especially alongside Xhaka. Trai has probably got a bit more energy and mobility, while also giving defensive cover when the full-back goes forward.”Bardsley also highlighted Hume’s willingness to get involved physically,