Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard said the squad have "a lot of talent and hunger" as they prepare for four tough Nations League matches. Ballard is back on the international stage after missing April's World Cup play-off semi-final defeat by Italy and June's friendlies against Guinea and France because of a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old has impressed for Sunderland this campaign and, after a frustrating spell on the sidelines, is excited for the chance to pull on a green shirt again.
"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." Because of a change in the international schedule, Northern Ireland will now play four matches this window for the first time since 2022. Michael O'Neill's side travel to face Georgia on 25 September and welcome Hungary three days later before a trip to Slovakia to face Ukraine and a home match against Georgia on 5 October. Despite having to balance four games in just an 11-day span, Ballard believes the side will be ready.
"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 said. "I am lucky enough to be playing in Europe this year [with Sunderland], so we have to get used to it. I think these four games will be really good for us.
"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." League B return, no Bradley and Kvaratskhelia test - NI talking points O'Neill and Graham retain places in NI squad
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