Nations League ‘a great opportunity’ for NI – Ballard

Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard has returned to international duty ahead of the team's upcoming Nations League quadruple-header. The Sunderland center-back missed the World Cup play-off semi-final defeat against Italy in April and June's friendlies against Guinea and France due to a hamstring injury. Ballard praised the talent and hunger within Michael O'Neill's squad, noting that the busy schedule provides key opportunities for younger and less-experienced players.

Due to schedule adjustments, Northern Ireland faces four international fixtures across an 11-day span for the first time since 2022. The campaign begins away against Georgia on September 25, followed by a home match against Hungary three days later, a fixture against Ukraine in Slovakia, and a concluding home contest against Georgia on October 5.