Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough praises Blackpool defender Dan Ballard ahead of Romania clash

Northern Ireland coach Ian Baraclough has praised Blackpool loanee Dan Ballard ahead of tonight’s Nations League group decider against Romania.
Dan Ballard hopes to win a fifth Northern Ireland cap against RomaniaDan Ballard hopes to win a fifth Northern Ireland cap against Romania
Dan Ballard hopes to win a fifth Northern Ireland cap against Romania
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The 21-year-old defender, who has made three League One appearances for Blackpool since his loan move from Arsenal, won his fourth Northern Ireland cap in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat away to Austria.

Selected ahead of Jonny Evans and Craig Cathcart, who were both on the bench, Ballard did not look fazed by the hosts’ powerful attack in Vienna and his mature display caught the eye of Baraclough.

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He said of Ballard: “He’s another one that’s got an old head on young shoulders.

“He’s dealt with stepping up, coming into the team last month for a couple of games where he could have been startled but no.

“His mentality is so measured. The lads love him, the way he goes about his work.

“He’s the same on the training field - he does it the right way. It’s a credit to him, a credit to Arsenal and his family.

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“He’s someone I’ve enjoyed working with at the Under-21s and I’ve no hesitation bringing him into the group.”

Ballard, sent off on his last Blackpool appearance against AFC Wimbledon, is on loan at Bloomfield Road until January.

He played 83 minutes against Austria, who came from behind to seal victory with two late goals.

Ballard had been replaced by Watford’s former Blackpool centre-half Cathcart when the hosts netted their winner.

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Stevenage-born Ballard was an unused substitute in last week’s European Championship play-off defeat by Slovakia.

He will hope to keep his place for tonight’s game in Belfast.

It was against tonight’s opponents Romania that Ballard made his debut for the senior national team in September.

Northern Ireland go into the game with only 20 players available following a series of withdrawals, including Stoke City’s former Blackpool mdifielder Jordan Thompson.

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Baraclough insisted the uncertainty over his side’s potential relegation in the Nations League would not affect their mindset.

The cancellation of Romania’s fixture against Norway on Sunday due to a positive coronavirus test within the Norwegian camp has complicated the group ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Romania are expected to be handed a walkover win by UEFA, a decision which would condemn Northern Ireland to relegation even if they win tonight.

Blackpool have confirmed that their League One fixture at home to Hull City on Tuesday December 15 will kick off at 7pm.