Tony Mowbray promised 'inside information' to help Sunderland beat Millwall

Dan Ballard hopes he can give Sunderland some ‘inside information’ on next Championship opposition Millwall.

Ballard spent last season on loan at The Den and was a standout performer for the Lions.

He still looks back at the club with affection for the chance they gave him to develop his game at Championship level, but he says he will be doing all he can to help Sunderland come home with the points.

“I really enjoyed my time at Millwall,” Ballard told safc.com. “I was still thankful for the opportunity I got there but my goal now is to pick up all three points.

“I am quite familiar with the team and the players so it will be an enjoyable one to go back there and be on the other side in the other changing room trying to win.

“Hopefully I will be able to help the team out and give them a bit more inside information about how they play and the types of players they have. It can only be a benefit.”

Ballard put in a brilliant performance for Sunderland at Fulham, making one stand-out goal line clearance – with a little help from Anthony Patterson.

The defender certainly didn’t look out of place against Premier League opposition, though, and he said he enjoyed the challenge.

“It was a great game to watch and the Lads put in a great performance on that pitch” Ballard said.

“We really played to the best of our abilities which we are going to have to do again next Wednesday [in the replay] if we are to get a result.

“Personally, I really enjoyed the challenge and loved playing against a Premier League opposition. Especially having the extra allocation of away fans, it’s nice to do it in front of them.”

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