Arsenal loanee ready to bring ‘A-game’ for Northern Ireland

Jason Soutar
Daniel Ballard

Arsenal loanee Daniel Ballard has said Northern Ireland must bring their ‘A-game’ if they are to avoid dropping points in their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on Thursday evening.

Ballard is currently on loan at Championship side Millwall after an impressive spell at Blackpool last term.

He helped the Tangerines return to the second tier after they were promoted via the play-offs.


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A regular starter for the Lions this season, he has made six appearances this season.

The defender made his debut for Northern Ireland in 2020 and has eight caps.

He has a triple-header of matches to look forward to this international break, and the three-game format is something that Ballard is in favour of as a young player.

The Arsenal youngster said (via irishfa.com): “It’s good for us younger players who may not have got that opportunity before. It gives us that excitement and buzz that we’re more likely to get an opportunity and it lifts the mood around the camp that we’ve got an extra game. Everyone loves representing Northern Ireland so I think it only adds to things.

“There are more young players than in the past and the manager has certainly given me that confidence and belief that I can go and add to the team and I’m sure he’ll do that with a lot of other younger players.”

The 21-year-old knows the importance of the fixtures, starting with Lithuania on Thursday.

“We know as a team that it’s a vital game. It’s extremely important and we’re going there to pick up all three points and we’re going there with a game plan, and we’ll be ready to execute that. Of course, we’ll be hoping to go and get the win.

“There are not very many easy games at international level and again this game with the pitch as well, it’s going to be extremely tough and we know if we don’t bring our A-game and don’t put all our effort into the match we won’t pick up a result so we’re all fully focused and ready to do battle.”

Northern Ireland face Estonia away on Sunday in a friendly match before wrapping up the international period with a qualifier against Switzerland at Windsor Park.