Chris Rigg’s glowing assessment of Dan Ballard has taken on added significance after the Sunderland defender suffered a suspected hamstring injury
Chris Rigg's glowing assessment of Dan Ballard has taken on additional significance after Sunderland were handed a worrying injury concern over the defender while he was away with Northern Ireland.
Ballard appeared to pull his hamstring during the closing stages of Northern Ireland's 1-0 victory over Georgia on Friday and was forced off in stoppage time. The Irish FA reported that the defender appeared to suffer the problem while battling to clear the ball, leaving Sunderland awaiting further clarity over the severity of the injury.
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Speaking after Sunderland's Carabao Cup victory over Hull earlier this month, Rigg was asked about Ballard before the centre-back faced former club Arsenal. His answer provided an insight into just how important the Northern Ireland international has become inside the dressing room.
"Yeah, he's helped me settle in really well, Ballard," Rigg said. "He's such a good lad. He comes across as this big guy, but he's really soft, really. And no, he's an outstanding footballer. He's come through the leagues and showed what he can do, and he's a really important part of our group on and off the pitch."
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Rigg also reserved praise that night for Chemsdine Talbi, who scored Sunderland's winner against Hull with an excellent chipped finish in the 71st minute. Talbi's situation has become an intriguing one since. His only Premier League appearance of the season remains his 32-minute outing from the bench in the opening defeat at Ipswich, when he replaced Nilson Angulo after 59 minutes. He was subsequently an unused substitute against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Rigg nevertheless made clear how highly Talbi is regarded inside the Sunderland squad, highlighting the winger's personality and work away from matchdays. "He's humble and he puts the work in every day," Rigg said. "Obviously, it comes out on the pitch, so I'm really, really happy for Shams today and it was a brilliant finish as well."
With Ballard now facing an anxious injury wait and Talbi continuing to push for his next league opportunity, Rigg's words offer an interesting insight into two players whose situations could become increasingly important after the international break.
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