Young Arsenal star Daniel Ballard 'ready' to face Erling Haaland after being fast-tracked by Northern Ireland

Young Arsenal star Daniel Ballard says he is "ready" to face the likes of Erling Haaland after making his Northern Ireland debut.

Ballard, who played in Arsenal's recent friendly win over MK Dons, was picked for Ian Baraclough's first squad with Jonny Evans sidelined through injury.

The 20-year-old "performed admirably and showed good physicality against the lively Romanian attack", report the BBC, and is now looking forward to facing Norwich on Monday evening.

"It was probably one of the proudest moments of my life so far, definitely," Ballard told reporters of his debut.

"I was quite nervous going into the game. I knew the occasion and what it means to play for Northern Ireland.

"I just tried to settle into the game and do the simple things. We wanted the three points, but the circumstances made it difficult.

"But I am just so proud to get something out of the game. It was a tough game and I really enjoyed it."

Ballard could now start against Norway at Windsor Park in what would be just his fifth senior game, facing the likes of Haaland, Joshua King and Alexander Sorloth.

He added: "I will be looking forward to Monday now [against Norway]. I will reflect on [the game] and I might be needed again.

"If I have to face the best players in the world I will be ready. I am up for the challenges."

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