Sunderland ace Dan Ballard speaks out after international achievement
Sunderland's Dan Ballard was handed the captain's armband during his nation's recent win over San Marino.
Sunderland centre-back Ballard turned out for Northern Ireland against San Marino over the weekend, playing in defence alongside Black Cats teammate Trai Hume.
It was a 15th cap for Northern Ireland for the 24-year-old Ballard, who's had an impressive season at club level with Sunderland.
And despite being a fairly new name on the scene for Northern Ireland, Ballard took the captain's armband off Jonny Evans during the 3-0 win over San Marino.
Speaking to Belfast Telegraph about captaining his country, Ballard said:
“I was pretty surprised, to be honest. I didn’t think I’d get it; I never thought I’d be in that position. It was quite overwhelming, and I was quite emotional at the time.
“I had no idea it was going to come to me when Jonny was going off. I just assumed it would be going to someone else, I certainly didn’t think it would be me, but to wear it was an emotional and amazing moment.
“I just never believed I’d ever have that opportunity, and to do it at this age for this nation, it was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.
“To wear that armband at home in front of those fans as well, it was a moment I will remember forever."
A future Sunderland skipper?
Ballard certainly possesses the attributes of a captain.
He's a commanding and dominant centre-back who always puts his body on the line, leading by example whenever he's on the pitch.
Ballard could for sure be a future Sunderland captain in the making, though for now he'll be fully focused on completing a full campaign for the Black Cats after a stop-start 2022/23.
Sunderland return to action vs Stoke City this weekend.
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