Despite acknowledging that Jonny Evans’ resignation from the national team has created a vacuum in Northern Ireland’s lineup, Sunderland defender Dan Ballard insisted that the Manchester United defender is indispensable.
With some fantastic performances for club and nation, Ballard has played a major role in Northern Ireland’s recent comeback. However, with defensive partner Evans ending his international career last week, Ballard’s workload has increased significantly.
With the retirements of Stuart Dallas and Steven Davis, Evans brings 107 caps with him, making Josh Magennis and Paddy McNair the only current members of the squad who played in Euro 2016.
Ballard, who made his way back into Sunderland’s starting lineup for the team’s victory over Portsmouth last weekend following an injury absence early in the season, said, “He was always a massive boost when he was here, and he isn’t someone who can be replaced.” None of us had ever collected more than 100 caps, but he did. Furthermore, he plays at a far higher level than we do. Thus, you don’t swap that out.
But now is our chance to act and close the gap. I make an effort to treasure the time I spent playing with him over the summer. Even though he is getting older and we knew this day would arrive, we never knew when he would retire. Although it is disheartening, we also sort of anticipated it.
Michael O’Neill is without a captain as a result of Evans’ departure, and the manager has stated he is not in a rush to select a long-term replacement. Ballard, who wore the armband during the 2-0 friendly victory over Andorra in June, is one among the contenders.
Ballard has been urged to take on more responsibility, both by O’Neill and the Sunderland team, who are currently leading the Championship.
Ballard remarked, “I feel that is natural with my career in general.” “Yes, not only here at Sunderland but also elsewhere, I do assume greater responsibilities. I feel at home here because I play for my club in a relatively youthful team.
“On the pitch, I do feel it, but I try not to worry about it too much day to day. One must step forward to fill the vacuum left by Jonny Evans and attempt to support the team. Not only me—others have also taken the initiative.
It will benefit myself and a few other people who are willing to stand up, and I believe it is a common obligation. Jonny cannot be replaced. However, attempting to fill the gap encourages you to work even more to support the team.
He remarked, “I think the two captains I have played under, Jonny and Davo, are both very similar.”
They both set an example for others to follow by being loud and demanding on the pitch. Before the game, there was no yelling or screaming—that wasn’t their way. I was grateful for that and took note of everything they taught me.
“Some players might require that.” I most definitely didn’t. They provide such a great example that I want to follow, and I’m sure the other guys on the squad have seen that and want to follow suit.
After a significant improvement in results over the last ten months—victories over Denmark and Scotland in particular having bolstered confidence—North Ireland will take on Luxembourg in their fourth Nations League match tomorrow with some optimism that they can advance out of League C.
Ballard continued, “The last few games have been really positive.” “We feel more assured on the field after some positive results. I believe all six of these upcoming games are ones that can be won. We seem to be much more confident now.
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