Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard called into Northern Ireland squad

Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad ahead of next month's UEFA Nations League fixtures. 

Ian Baraclough will take on Romania in his first match as manager after replacing Michael O'Neill at the helm in June. 

Northern Ireland travel to Romania on September 4^th before hosting Norway three days later on September 7^th. 

The defender, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his mother takes the place of Sunderland's Tom Flanagan who drops out due to personal reasons. 

Ballard made his long awaited return from a knee injury to make his senior debut for the Gunners during Tuesday's 4-1pre-season friendly win at MK Dons. 

The centre-back came on as a second half substitute replacing fellow debutant William Saliba. 

The 20-year-old, who has played under new senior boss Ian Baraclough at Under-21 level was part of the side that was so successful in the Euro 2019 qualification campaign.

Ballard was also selected for the senior squad for last year’s UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers home and away against Estonia and Belarus.

He was captain of the Arsenal Under-18 side that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup in 2018 and scored against Blackpool in the semi-final of that tournament. 

The 20-year-old signed a new contract with the North London side in May 2019 as he impressed under Freddie Ljungberg in the under 23's that season, making 18 appearances and helping keep seven clean-sheets. 

He had been set for a season long loan at Swindon Town last season but injured his knee early on during his time at the County Ground so returned to Arsenal to undergo treatment.