Daniel Ballard has gone through the emotional ringer over the last few weeks.
Just seven days after shining on his senior league debut, Blackpool’s Arsenal loanee was sent for an early bath in a miserable 1-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon.
But if he felt a little rusty after missing the last two League One games through suspension, he didn’t shown it during the November international break.
The 21-year-old centre-back has made more appearances for his country than he has a club level now, taking his number of outings in the green of Northern Ireland to five during a 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Romania on Wednesday night.
Although Northern Ireland were denied a morale-boosting victory by a late Romanian equaliser – meaning they ended the competition without a single win to their name – there was at least room for optimism at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland’s Golden Generation is bowing out with a whimper but, in Stevenage-born Ballard, they might have just found their future – a long-term successor for Jonny Evans perhaps?
“For long spells I was really pleased with the way we played,” manager Ian Baraclough told the Belfast Telegraph at full-time.
“I thought we looked solid and didn’t give too many chances away.
“Daniel (Ballard) was solid and fit, keeping things simple and he will learn from the goal (Northern Ireland conceded). We have integrated new players into the squad and we know they can step up to the plate.”
The Telegraph even gave Ballard a 9/10 for his performance.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal coach who has shown a refreshing confidence in the youngsters at his disposal, will certainly have been impressed.
As were the Northern Ireland fans who, with Ballard the beast at the back, have a talented young player to pin their hopes on.
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