Media in Northern Ireland have given their verdict on Sunderland star Dan Ballard following a win over Scotland.
Several Sunderland players have been in action during this month’s international break, including Ballard.
The centre-back now has 10 caps to his name after starting the friendly match against Scotland on Tuesday night, which the Irish went on to win.
A goal from Liverpool’s Conor Bradley in the first half set Northern Ireland up for what’s described as an ‘historic’ win by Belfast Live.
Ballard started in defence alongside Black Cats teammate Trai Hume, whilst Anthony Patterson watched from the stands.
Dan Ballard shines in ‘historic’ Northern Ireland win vs Scotland
And like he has been all season for Sunderland, Ballard was a rock at the back for his country.
The 24-year-old started on the right of three centre-backs, in a back-five which included Hume and Middlesbrough’s Paddy McNair as well.
As per Sofascore, Ballard made 8 defensive actions (third-most of anyone on the pitch), which included 6 clearances (second-most of anyone), 1 block and 1 interception.
Belfast Live gave the former Arsenal man a 7/10 rating, with journalist Steven Crawford adding:
“Capped a big week with a fantastic display alongside his defensive partners.”
Last night’s victory came after Ballard became a father last week.
Dan Ballard blossoming at the right time for Sunderland
Despite being only 24 years old, Ballard plays like a seasoned centre-back.
He’s gaining some great experience on both the club and international stage right now and he continues to perform at a very high, consistent level.
For Sunderland this season, Ballard has been a mainstay in the side, and his absence often exposes a lack of leadership and solidity elsewhere in the team.
And Ballard maturing as a player comes at a crucial time for Sunderland who have a distinct lack of experienced players in the first-team right now.
Ballard is currently one of the oldest players in the first-team which shows how low the average age is right now.
And so Mike Dodds and co will be looking to players like Ballard, Dan Neil, and Patterson to be leading the team and guiding these younger players through this rough patch of form.
Dodds will be praying that Ballard and Hume are fit to play the full 90 minutes against Cardiff City in the Championship on Friday.
The Black Cats go into this game without a win in their last seven, but having halted a run of six-straight defeats with a 0-0 draw vs QPR last time out.
Kick off is at 3pm on Friday.