View: Regis Le Bris will be fuming as international decision made on Sunderland ace Dan Ballard
Dan Ballard has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the November international break despite having yet to return to the Sunderland side with an injury.
Quite frankly, I don’t understand the need to have an international break every few weeks. Although what I don’t understand even more, is why Ballard has been called up to the squad despite having missed the last few weeks with injury. It seems nonsensical.
Le Bris will undoubtedly be fuming with the decision as the club have maintained a careful approach with Ballard to ensure a full return to fitness.
His call-up is needless and puts him at a huge risk of aggravating an injury that has kept him out of Championship action for several games.
Where does Dan Ballard fit in Sunderland plans?
Since his injury, Chris Mepham has stepped up in his absence and very few will disagree with me when I say he shouldn’t be dropped this season.
The Welshman has been a monstrous figure at the back for Sunderland and played a huge part in their current unbeaten run with his experience and defensive prowess.
Le Bris described Mepham as “a gift” earlier in the campaign and his performances are certainly worthy of praise.
Alongside him is Luke O’Nien, who has been Mr Consistent since day one. He occupies a crucial ball-playing role in the Sunderland defence that Ballard simply can’t replicate.
When Ballard does return, he will likely find himself as a squad option.
The January transfer window could provide a few surprises with the ex-Arsenal man reportedly on the list of targets for Wolves who have identified the central defender as someone who can aid their fight for survival.
In other Sunderland news, Jack Rodwell has claimed that he was treated as a “scapegoat” during his time on Wearside.
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