Daniel Ballard arrived at Sunderland as the club's first new face ahead of the 2022-23 season and has gone on to become one of the leading figures in the side.
The Northern Ireland defender came through the esteemed Hale End Academy at Arsenal, before a first loan spell with Swindon Town.
Ballard then joined and won promotion with Blackpool from League One, before a successful season on loan with Millwall in 2021-22.
Standing at 6'2'', the centre-half made his senior international bow in 2020. His first SAFC goal came in the Lads' 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers in August 2023.
