Credit: Imago]

View: Regis Le Bris has growing Dan Ballard dilemma at Sunderland

Thu 10 October 2024 12:10, UK Updated Thu 10 October 2024 14:09, UK

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard was originally drafted to be included in the Northern Ireland nation side this international break but recently withdrew from the squad.

Ballard missed Sunderland’s last two fixtures with an ankle injury and despite being included in Michael O’Neills provisional squad, he was withdrawn with fears that he could agitate the injury if he was to feature too soon, as reported in the Sunderland Echo.

Sunderland announced the capture of Chris Mepham on loan from Bournemouth in the summer and he has since stepped up in Ballard’s absence and impressed supporters with his high level of performance begging the question as to what that means for Ballard once his injury woes are over.

Dan Ballard will have to wait for Sunderland opportunity

Sunderland’s impressive start to the campaign is much down to the appointment of Regis Le Bris but also to several key players stepping up to the standard required.

Luke O’Nien occupies one of the two centreback roles and has been outstanding all season and his recently found partner Mepham has been just as impressive albeit in a small number of games.

The Welsh international however has looked a level above most Championship centre-backs thus far meaning Ballard will likely have to wait for his chance to get back into the starting XI however having that level of competition can only be seen as a positive and having players like Ballard waiting in the wings, will help the likes of O’Nien and Mepham to maintain a solid level consistency to their game or face the risk of being dropped.