Daniel Ballard makes Blackpool loan move from Arsenal

Blackpool have announced the loan signing of Northern Ireland International defender Daniel Ballard from Arsenal. 

Ballard who qualifies for Northen Ireland through his mother started for Ian Baraclough's side in his first two matches in charge away to Romaina and at home to Norway last month. 

He is also included in the squad for this weeks crunch Euro 2020 qualifier away to Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by the Nations League games with Austria and Norway on Sunday and Wednesday. 

Ballard made his long-awaited return from a knee injury to feature for the Arsenal making his first team debut in a pre-season friendly win at MK Dons in August. 

Blackpool who are expected to be promotion contenders in League One this season under the leadership of former Liverpool under 23's manager Neil Critchley are currently 22nd after four games winning once against Swindon Town and losing three. 

Their latest defeat came at Bloomfield Road on Saturday against high flying Lincoln City with Jorge Grant and Dutch defender Lewis Montsma scoring late goals in a 3-2 win for the Imps. 

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

A loan move to Swindon Town was cut short in 2019 due to injury, with Ballard now signing on with the Seasiders until January 2021.

On signing for the Seasiders Ballard said "I’m over the moon to be here and really excited to get started.

“It’s a great opportunity to play for a Club like Blackpool, and I’m really determined to do well here. I will offer 100% and will be aggressive and play for the shirt.

“As a young player, it’s important you grasp every opportunity you are given, and I will be doing everything I can to help this team push on and be successful whilst I am here.”

Critchley went on to add "Daniel is a talented and commanding defender who will add a great deal to the group." 

“He’s gained a good football education developing through the age groups in Arsenal’s Academy, going on to captain their U23 side. He also has experience on the international stage, rising through the youth levels with Northern Ireland to go on and gain full international caps."

“In coming to Blackpool, he is now ready for the next stage of his career. We are pleased to have him here and look forward to working with him during his time here." 

He could be set for his debut for the Tangerines away to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday October 17 following the international break.