Daniel Ballard has revealed that he still hopes to make it at Arsenal.
The big centre-back has been on Arsenal’s books for his entire career but hasn’t yet made his competitive debut for the Gunners.
Ballard, a full Northern Ireland international, was loaned to Championship side Millwall in July for what is his third temporary spell away from London Colney.
But longer term, the 22-year-old has designs on returning to Arsenal and proving himself in the senior side.
He told The Clockend Podcast: “A goal of mine has always been to represent Arsenal in a professional game and hopefully represent them many times. In the back of my mind I’ve always had that goal and it’s something I’ve wanted to achieve for a long time and I’ll keep working extremely hard so that one day I can [play for them].”
Can he make it at Arsenal?
It’ll be difficult and no doubt Ballard himself knows that, but yes, he can.
The Hale End graduate is out of contract in North London next summer, meaning that he needs to impress in a big way in the Championship to warrant a new deal.
The good news is that, as mentioned, Ballard is a Northern Ireland international and therefore the Arsenal loanee is in quite a unique position.
Mikel Arteta and Edu aren’t able to keep their eye on him in the Championship, with that job dedicated to that of a loan manager.
But Ballard can make a case for saving his Gunners career by impressing on the international stage and hope that Arteta and Edu spot him.
One example is in a couple of weeks when Northern Ireland face Switzerland.
Granit Xhaka’s likely presence means that one of Arteta, Edu or even Richard Garlick will watch the game and Ballard, if he plays, could do his cause the world of good if he dazzles in the same match.
The youngster has it all to do to save his Arsenal career but there’s definitely reason to be optimistic.
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