BBC · Mar 1
NI defender Ballard extends Sunderland contract
Image caption, Ballard has made 33 appearances for Northern IrelandSunderland defender Dan Ballard has extended his contract until the summer of 2029, with an option of an additional year.
The Northern Ireland international signed for the Black Cats from Arsenal in July 2022 and has been played a key role in the club's recent success.
Ballard has made 114 appearances in red and white, has scored eight goals and has impressed during his debut season in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old also scored a dramatic injury-time winner against Coventry City in the play-off semi-final last year, before Sunderland beat Sheffield United in the final at Wembley to earn promotion to the topflight.