"There's always doubt when you play in a new league. The step up to the Premier League, you know how tough it can be. Certain players struggled in the past, we signed a lot of players, there's lots of competition and it might not have worked out, but I was really determined in pre-season and wanting to show the manager, the team and the fans I can play in this league and I think I've done that so far."
"I probably surprised myself with how well we've done in the Premier League, remaining in the team and doing well has been an added bonus,"
"did not think I would play in the Premier League"
Dan Ballard experienced doubts about stepping up to the Premier League but was surprised by his and Sunderland's strong start. The 26-year-old featured in 17 of 21 league games and scored twice, including against former club Arsenal in a 2-2 draw. Pre-season determination helped him retain a place despite the arrivals of Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele. Ballard scored an injury-time winner in the play-off semi-final against Coventry and contributed as Sunderland beat Sheffield United at Wembley to earn promotion. Sunderland currently sit 10th and are approximately 10 points from the 40-point safety mark, with staying up the immediate objective.
Read at www.bbc.com
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