Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard has been snapped up by League One outfit Blackpool until January.
The 21-year-old, who had a loan spell with Swindon Town cut short last season because of a serious knee injury, was delighted to have sealed a move to Bloomfield Road as he seeks regular first-team football.
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
“I’m over the moon to be here and really excited to get started,” admitted Ballard, “It’s a great opportunity to play for a club like Blackpool and I’m really determined to do well here.
“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.”
Ballard becomes Blackpool’s 14th signing since the end of last term and manager Neil Critchley was pleased to have finally secured the talented centre-back’s signature.
“Daniel is a talented and commanding defender who will add a great deal to the group,” said the former Liverpool youth coach.
“He’s gained a good football education developing through the age groups in Arsenal’s Academy, going on to captain their Under-23 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,” he added, “We are pleased to have him here and look forward to working with him during his time here.”
Stevenage-born Ballard, whose mother hails from Northern Ireland, made an impressive international debut against Romania last month and earned his second cap in the defeat against Norway.
