Michael O'Neill awaiting Dan Ballard injury update after Northern Ireland call-up | OneFootball

Michael O'Neill says he is still waiting to learn the extent of Dan Ballard's injury after naming the defender in Northern Ireland's squad for their World Cup play-off with Italy later this month.

According to Sunderland Echo, Ballard was selected despite going off with a hamstring issue in the 64th minute of Sunderland's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton. Head coach Régis Le Bris hoped it was not serious.

O'Neill said there are a few injury concerns across his squad and that the medical staff will liaise with clubs for clarity. He expects players to do everything they can to be available, but Ballard's call-up does not clarify his availability for Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby.

He confirmed some players did not feature for their clubs at the weekend and accepted such issues are part of international football. Northern Ireland are already without Conor Bradley and Jamal Lewis, the latter having undergone ankle surgery.

O'Neill added there are 10 days until the Italy match, which he hopes is enough time to be as strong as possible. Northern Ireland face Italy in Bergamo on Thursday, 26 March, with the winners then travelling to either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for the play-off final on 31 March. The play-off victors will join World Cup Group B with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Source: Sunderland Echo