Dan Ballard backs 'hungry' Northern Ireland ahead of intense Nations League schedule
Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard has declared that Michael O'Neill's squad possesses "a lot of talent and hunger" as they gear up for a demanding run of four Nations League fixtures in just 11 days.
The Sunderland defender is back on the international stage after missing the previous two international camps with a hamstring injury, which sidelined him for Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy and June friendlies against Guinea and France.
Now fully recovered, Ballard is relishing the opportunity to pull on the green shirt once again and believes the packed calendar presents a major platform for the squad's emerging talent.
Opportunity for squad depth
"It is a great opportunity for some of the lads who haven't got as many minutes as there will defo be opportunities this camp," Ballard told BBC Sport NI. "There are some new faces and young faces who we are really excited to see come through."
"Sometimes we forget how strong a squad we have and then you look at training and there are a lot of hungry players who want to be involved. We have a lot of work to do, but there is a lot of talent and hunger."
Demanding schedule awaits
Due to adjustments in the international schedule, Northern Ireland will navigate four fixtures in a single window for the first time since 2022.
O'Neill's side travel to face Georgia on 25 September, followed by a home clash with Hungary three days later. They will then head to Slovakia to play Ukraine before wrapping up the international break with a return meeting against Georgia on 5 October.
Despite the physical toll of four games across an 11-day span, Ballard is confident the group is built to handle the intense workload.
"The lads are now experienced enough, a lot of them play in the Championship and League One and there are a lot of games," he added. "The games are coming thick and fast and we just have to do everything we can to prepare. It is tough on the mind and on our bodies, but we love playing games and that is why we do it. I am sure we will be ready."