Northern Ireland media react to what ‘superman’ Dan Ballard did vs Slovakia
Dan Ballard has played second fiddle at Sunderland of late, but the defender made the most of his latest start for Northern Ireland on Friday.
Trai Hume and Ballard were called up by Northern Ireland for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Germany.
Ballard is trying his best to prove Regis Le Bris wrong with his recent performances, and he stood out for his national side in the 2-0 win over Slovakia at Windsor Park.
Hume received plenty of plaudits given he scored Norn Iron’s late second, but Sunderland favourite Ballard more than played his part with a fine showing in the heart of defence.
Dan Ballard produces ‘reliable’ display for Northern Ireland
The victory for Northern Ireland on home soil ensures they are still in the running to qualify for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ballard will certainly hope to be there, and he more than put his body on the line against Slovakia as he registered three clearances, which only clubmate Hume could match.
The 26-year-old’s 91 per cent pass accuracy, meanwhile, was the best of any player who started the contest in Belfast.
- Ballard has been capped 30 times by Northern Ireland at senior level
- He made the first of those appearances in September 2020 vs Romania
- The defender has scored five goals for his country, most recently vs Belarus last November
He also won two aerial duels, one of which was described by BBC Sport reporter Andy Gray as a “superman header to divert a dangerous cross”.
The Belfast Telegraph gave Ballard a 7/10 rating, adding that it was a “huge boost” for Michael O’Neill to have him back.
Ballard was said to be a “solid and reliable” option at the back for Northern Ireland, in contrast to opponent’s Slovakia’s defenders.
One blemish for Ballard was picking up a yellow card, which leaves him walking a disciplinary tightrope due to the totting up process.
Speaking live on BBC Two NI, player-turned-pundit Stephen Craigan said of that incident: “Northern Ireland can’t afford to have players on yellow cards and missing games. Ballard is a huge player for Northern Ireland.“
What next for Ballard and Northern Ireland?
Ballard sustained an injury early in the season and has not played a full 90 minutes since Sunderland’s 3-0 win over West Ham on 16 August.
While the Arsenal academy product’s focus will be on returning to Le Bris’ starting line-up, his immediate priority is Northern Ireland’s clash with Germany on Monday.
The win against Slovakia means Northern Ireland join their opponents on six points in a race to effectively finish behind Germany and reach the playoffs.
Four-time world champions Germany visit Windsor Park on Monday, and anything other than a defeat would be a massive bonus for Ballard’s national side.
Every Sunderland fan will wish him well and, just as importantly, hope he returns to the Stadium of Light unscathed.
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