Speaking ahead of Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Slovakia at Windsor Park, Ballard also revealed how becoming a Premier League player this season has given him more confidence and self-belief.
The 26-year-old defender missed the last international camp through injury when Northern Ireland defeated Luxembourg 3-1 and lost to Germany by the same score, but such is his importance and influence he will come straight into the starting XI for match number three in Group A.
Ballard admitted he was ‘frustrated’ to miss out but, watching from afar, was impressed by the levels of Michael O’Neill’s team away to Luxembourg and Germany.
“I saw a really strong team and a really competitive team, probably the strongest I’ve seen since I’ve been playing international football,” said Ballard, who made his debut in 2020.
“I think we’re in a really good spot at the minute and I’m looking forward to the next few games and trying to help the team.”
Ballard’s international debut against Romania came two months before Slovakia’s last visit to Belfast when they beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in a Euro 2020 Play-Off. The Sunderland ace was on the bench for that one.
“Obviously that night was extremely frustrating,” recalled Ballard.
“I never got the chance to play and I wanted to get on and help the team. It was pretty deflating but it’s a completely new team from that game and I’m extremely excited to get the chance to play this time around.
“We went through a few years where it was quite tough but, looking around the team now, I can see a lot of progression.
“It feels familiar coming into the team now. We’ve played with each other quite a lot. There was a period where there were lots of different players, different formations, but now I feel like we’re quite settled and we’re a lot more confident going into the games. We’ve got good connections now.”
In the press conference on the eve of Friday’s World Cup qualifier, manager O’Neill was extremely complimentary about Ballard’s journey, which started off as a youngster at Arsenal. He didn’t make the breakthrough there and had loan spells at Swindon, Blackpool and Millwall before joining Sunderland in 2022.
Daniel Ballard celebrates a goal against Luxembourg in last year’s Nations League qualifier. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Since moving to the Stadium of Light, Ballard has gone from strength to strength, playing a key role in Sunderland’s climb into the Premier League with his ability to both keep out goals and score them.
“Daniel’s story is a good one because it epitomises how you should react to disappointment in football,” said O’Neill, who revealed he tried to sign Ballard when he was manager of Stoke City but the club were unable to seal the deal.
“He had a disappointment at Arsenal but his reaction to that was to play his way up. The most important thing is that you have belief in yourself that you can get to that level and Daniel’s had that.
“It is an inspiration because we have players at the minute who are out on loan on a similar journey and it’s not all plain sailing.
“It’s great to see him in the Premier League. He deserves it. I’ve watched him and he’s been excellent.
“Sometimes I think when you play through the leagues, you really appreciate that you’re now in the Premier League and you’re not going to let it slip because you’ve seen the other side of the game.”
When asked about his own career to this point, Ballard said: “Yeah, it’s been a bit of a journey. I’ve been grateful to play at every level I have and now I’m getting a chance in the Premier League trying everything I can for Sunderland to prolong that as long as possible.”
Smiling, he continued: “I’ve still got a while left in the game hopefully, so it’ll just be interesting to see where we go next.”
Ballard was honest enough to admit that he had doubts about playing in the Premier League, but now having done it his confidence has grown.
“I was unsure what the level would be like in the Premier League and how I would cope, and obviously it’s still very early on, but I’d probably agree that it has given me more confidence,” said Ballard.
“I’m growing into the games, feeling confident and feel like I can have a big impact on games still. I think there was a bit of doubt – there always is going into a new season – but right now I think I can still have a big impact and help the team in the Premier League.”
Northern Ireland supporters will look to Ballard having a big impact at both ends of the pitch against Slovakia on Friday – and at home to Germany on Monday.
