Daniel Ballard raring to go again as he offers up ‘good spot’ analysis

Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard relishing Germany test after missing out last month

With Northern Ireland’s World Cup 2026 hopes at a pivotal point in qualification Daniel Ballard feels they are in “a really good spot”.

Ballard was forced to watch last month’s opening two Group A games from afar after picking up an injury playing for Sunderland the weekend before.

Despite the defeat to Germany Ballard was impressed with what he saw and feels Northern Ireland can kick on again against Slovakia tonight and the return with Julian Nagelsmann’s team on Monday.

“I saw a really strong team [against Germany] and a really competitive team, probably the strongest I’ve seen since I’ve been playing in international football,” said Ballard.

“So I think we’re in a really good spot at the minute and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing in the next few games and trying to help push the team and get even better.”

It was a frustrating month for the former Arsenal man as he looked to make his mark in the Premier League before focusing on World Cup qualification, but he is hoping his injury problems are behind him.

“I feel really good at the minute, I had to sit on the bench for the last few games but I’ve actually got some good minutes and I’ve probably been eased back in quite nicely, so I feel fit and ready to go,” he said.

“It’s obviously frustrating. I’ve had my injury problems in the past, so it’s something that I’m really getting on top of at the minute.

“I’ve been working really hard and of course it was frustrating after the second game. But I’m feeling really good right now. I’m doing everything I can and I’m enjoying playing my football.

“It’s something I’m always trying to improve upon. Sometimes people are a little bit more unlucky than others and other times you can do stuff to improve it so hopefully that’s all behind me now.”

It’s been an incredible journey for Ballard after leaving Arsenal three years ago he is now loving life in the Premier League.

“I was unsure what the level would be like in the Premier League and how I would cope,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s still very early on, but I’d probably agree that it gives you more confidence playing at this level. I’m going into the games extremely confident and feel like I can have a big impact on the game still.

“So, yeah, I think there was a bit of doubt always going into a new season, but right now, I think I can still have a big impact on games and help the team in the Premier League.

“Trai [Hume] has played almost every minute this season. He’s done extremely well and has coped with the challenge brilliantly. I’ve really enjoyed the minutes I’ve got so far.

“It really pushes you every day. We’ve got a completely new team now. It’s a fight just to stay in the team. That drives you every day to be a better player. I think it can only improve us as players.

“I think international football has helped a lot too, especially when you play the likes of Germany or some of the bigger nations.

“The style of football has been very similar to something like the Premier League. It’s helped me adapt a lot. Playing in the Champions League or the lower leagues is often different to international football.

“It’s enjoyable to play the different styles and learn. I’ll never know where my career will go next, so I’m sure it will help in the future.”