Exclusive:Kevin Phillips names Sunderland star he 'fully expects' to be recalled to starting XI vs Nottingham Forest
Sunderland host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Friday evening.
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has suggested that he fully expects Dan Ballard to make his return to the Black Cats’ starting XI in one form or another against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
After a period on the treatment table, the centre-back came off the bench to feature in Sunday’s dramatic 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa, and will presumably be a viable option to start at the Stadium of Light on Friday night.
In his absence, club stalwart Luke O’Nien has deputised for Ballard, but despite being impressed by the 31-year-old, Phillips has admitted that it would be no great surprise to see the Northern Ireland international recalled by Regis Le Bris.
What has Kevin Phillips said about Sunderland defender Dan Ballard?
Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of BestBettingSites, Phillips claimed that a straight swap with O’Nien could be a possibility, as could the prospect of Ballard coming in for Omar Alderete, who was taken off injured against Villa last time out.
He said: “Luke's been doing fantastic since he came in. He's come in for a little bit of criticism as well, which is a bit harsh, because I think he's done brilliantly. But I expect Dan Ballard to come into the side either way.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
“Alderete went off injured, so potentially it could be Luke O'Nien and Ballard. I think if Alderete is fit, Regis Le Bris will probably bring Dan Ballard back into the side - and that has been the major partnership throughout the season. So to be able to get them back together, I fully expect him to do that.”
Your next Sunderland read: 'Big future' – Gary Neville delivers transfer verdict on promising Sunderland star amid England speculation