Northern Ireland defender Daniel Ballard has signed a new professional contract with Arsenal.
The 19-year-old, who was part of Michael O’Neill’s squad for March’s Euro 2020 qualifying wins over Estonia and Belarus, put pen to paper on the new deal today.
Ballard, who signed a scholarship with the Gunners three years ago, was handed his first pro deal last June.
He tweeted: "Delighted to have extended my contract with this fantastic club. Couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and everybody at the club. Excited for the future."
"Delighted to have extended my contract with this fantastic club. Couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and everybody at the club. Excited for the future."
A key figure in the success of Northern Ireland’s Under-21 squad during their last campaign, Ballard has been at Arsenal since he was eight years old.
He made 18 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season, helping Arsenal to keep seven clean sheets.
Speaking to irishfa.com earlier this year, Ballard said: “At Under-19s or at Under 21 level when I put the green shirt on it’s a feeling of pride and you want to do well to represent your country. To play for the first team would be amazing. It’s always been a dream and I’ll keep dreaming until it comes true.”
