Daniel Ballard has expressed his confidence in the current Northern Ireland squad, calling it the strongest he has witnessed during his international career. As the team prepares for a pivotal World Cup qualifier against Slovakia at Windsor Park, Ballard is eager to contribute after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the last international camp.
Daniel Ballard’s International Experience
The 26-year-old defender made his international debut in 2020 and highlighted the progress of Michael O’Neill’s team. Ballard was particularly impressed by the team’s performance in their recent matches against Luxembourg and Germany, where they achieved a 3-1 victory and suffered a similarly close loss.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on a past encounter in 2020, when Slovakia defeated Northern Ireland 2-1 in a Euro 2020 Play-Off, Ballard mentioned feeling frustrated for not being able to play. “That night was extremely frustrating,” he recalled. “But this is a different team now, and I’m excited to have this opportunity.”
Progress and Confidence
Ballard noted that the current squad has developed strong connections and a sense of stability. “We’ve played with each other quite a lot,” he said, stressing the importance of familiarity on the pitch. The team has moved past a challenging period of transition and is now more confident heading into games.
A Journey to the Premier League
From his early days at Arsenal, Ballard faced disappointments but turned them into motivation. After loan spells at Swindon, Blackpool, and Millwall, he joined Sunderland in 2022. His contributions helped Sunderland earn promotion to the Premier League, where he showcases his defensive skills and goal-scoring ability.
Manager’s Praise and Team Expectations
Manager O’Neill praised Ballard’s journey, noting how it serves as an inspiration for younger players. “Daniel’s story epitomizes how to react to disappointment,” O’Neill stated, highlighting Ballard’s determination and self-belief.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Ballard aims to continue making an impact in both the Premier League and at the international level. Despite initial doubts about his abilities in the Premier League, he now feels more confident than ever. “I’m growing into the games and feel like I can make a significant impact,” he concluded.
As Northern Ireland prepares to face Slovakia, all eyes will be on Ballard to perform at both ends of the pitch, with hopes high for a successful outcome in this crucial qualifier.
