Photo via BBC Sport

Nations League 'a great opportunity' for NI - Ballard

Returning defender Dan Ballard has expressed high confidence in the depth and ambition of the Northern Ireland squad ahead of a demanding block of four upcoming fixtures. Having recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of prior summer fixtures and a World Cup playoff qualifier, the Sunderland center-back is eager to rejoin the international setup.

Michael O'Neill's squad faces a heavy schedule featuring trips to take on Georgia and Ukraine alongside home fixtures against Hungary and a concluding match facing Georgia again in early October. Despite the intense physical and mental strain of cramming four games into an eleven-day window, Ballard believes the team's growing experience across English and European competitions will ensure they remain fully prepared for the challenge.