Sunderland defender delivers optimistic message despite international duty injury scare

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard believes he will be back ‘very soon’ following his injury on international duty.

Ballard had to be withdrawn early in the second half of Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Finland on Sunday due to a hamstring problem.

Should that prove to be a serious injury then it would be an enormous blow to Sunderland, who are battling enough absences already.

He, though, cut on optimistic figure as he talked to the press after the game.

When asked how serious his injury is, Ballard said: “I’m not too sure yet, I just felt a little something go.”

“I’m hoping for the best, I don’t think it’s anything too serious. I’ll probably get a scan in the next few days and hopefully I’ll be back playing very soon.”

It would obviously make Ballard a major doubt for Friday night’s visit to Championship table-toppers Burnley, which would create a bit of a selection headache for Tony Mowbray.

🟢 @NorthernIreland's Daniel Ballard explains why spirits remain high in spite of the loss to Finland

"Everyone believed we could win." 🗣️#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/qFtapcqqkV
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) March 26, 2023

Luke O’Nien would be the obvious one to stand in for Ballard at centre-back, although that would mean him moving across from left-back, where he has been filling in for the injured Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin.

Cirkin may be fit to return at Burnley, though. Lynden Gooch is another option, as is January signing Joe Anderson, who is yet to make a start for the club.

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