Sunderland defender Dan Ballard admits he had “doubts” that he would be able to step up to the Premier League, saying he has been “surprised” by his and the Black Cats’ start to life back in the top flight.
The 26-year-old has played in 17 of Sunderland’s 21 league games, scoring twice – including a memorable goal against former club Arsenal in a 2-2 draw.
He has helped Regis Le Bris’ side stay well clear of the bottom three in 10th in the table and is glad that his pre-season graft has helped him keep his place in the team despite the arrivals of defenders such as Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele.
“I probably surprised myself with how well we’ve done in the Premier League, remaining in the team and doing well has been an added bonus,” he told BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Kane.
“There’s always doubt when you play in a new league. The step up to the Premier League, you know how tough it can be.
“Certain players struggled in the past, we signed a lot of players, there’s lots of competition and it might not have worked out, but I was really determined in pre-season and wanting to show the manager, the team and the fans I can play in this league and I think I’ve done that so far.”