By Martin Graham
Dan Ballard has admitted he wasn’t sure if he could cope with the demands of England’s top division, admitting that both his own progress and from Sunderland early form have exceeded what I expected.
Now 26, the centre-back has featured regularly, featuring in 17 of the club’s 21 league games and contributing two goals. One of those strikes came in striking fashion against his former side, arsenalearning the Black Cats a 2-2 draw.
His reliability has played a key role in helping Régis Le Bris’ side climb to 10th place, away from relegation trouble. This has come despite strong competition at the back following the arrival of the summer Omar Alderete i Nordi Mukiele.
Ballard believes his hard work before the start of the campaign proved decisive. He explained that adapting to a different level always brings uncertainty, but his approach during the preseason helped him prove to the coaching staff and fans that he belongs at that level.
Survival remains Sunderland’s central objective
The defender was a hero during the promotion run, scoring a stoppage-time winner against Coventry City in the play-off semi-final before Sunderland overcame Sheffield United at Wembley to secure a return to the top flight.
With their impressive start, the Wearside club are just 10 points short of 40 points, a total that is often enough to ensure safety. Still, Ballard insists retaining Premier League status remains the only immediate goal.
Reflecting on his journey since leaving Arsenal, he admitted there were times when reaching this level seemed unlikely. That perspective, he says, keeps the team grounded despite recent successes.
He added that while the points accumulated during a busy festive schedule have provided a solid platform, there is still a lot of work ahead. Resetting the standards and focusing on what the team does best will be vital in the remaining months of the season.
The international challenge offers new motivation
As well as club duties, Ballard is preparing for a World Cup play-off clash with Italy, representing Northern Ireland in a high-stakes game in Bergamo.
Michael O’Neill’s side face difficulties, with Conor Bradley ruled out with a serious knee injury and goalkeeper Pierce Charles also facing a fitness test. Still, Ballard believes the recent performances have built belief within the group.
While he accepts Northern Ireland will be seen as outsiders, the defender believes his displays against Germany last year showed he can compete with elite opposition. This experience, he says, has strengthened confidence rather than fear.
With 33 international appearances to his name, Ballard has stressed that the pressure is on his opponents. Free from expectations, he believes Northern Ireland can make life uncomfortable for any heavyweight nation.
