Blackpool boss believes loanee will have learned plenty during his international duty

The Blackpool head coach hoped centre-half Ballard would get valuable game time in his country’s latest internationals – and Critchley’s wish was duly granted.

Ballard, on loan at Bloomfield Road from Arsenal until January, started the UEFA Nations League matches away to Austria last Sunday and against Romania in Belfast the following Wednesday.

The 21-year-old did enough to earn praise from Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough for his maturity.

Critchley said: “I watched both games and Dan played on the right side of a back three.

“Austria away was a very tough game and Northern Ireland were very unlucky not to get a result – they were winning with 10 minutes left.

“Playing alongside Jonny Evans in the Romania game will be very good for him. I’m very pleased for him that he got the minutes and played well.”

Ballard is now available for the Seasiders again, having served his suspension following a red card in the defeat against AFC Wimbledon last month.

Critchley added: “We look forward to having him back and his experiences with Northern Ireland will stand him in good stead.”

Meanwhile, Critchley welcomes the additional substitutions now allowed in EFL matches, though he has reservations about the timing of the change.

Last week saw the Pool boss call for an increase from three to five substitutions per team in League One fixtures.

Then, on Wednesday of last week, the EFL confirmed the change could come in with immediate effect.

Critchley said: “We voted for that at the start of the season.

“I thought it was logical and common sense with the season we had coming up and the busy periods.

“It made perfect sense to utilise more players and reduce the risk of injury.

“For me it’s about player welfare but to change it partway through the season maybe goes against the integrity of the competition a bit, though in my opinion it’s the right thing to do.”

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