When Danny Batth came off injured against Hull, Dan Ballard was thrown in to make an unexpected return to the side after a long-term injury. Here is Dan's reaction to the game...
THROWN IN AT THE DEEP END
“I think the whole performance wasn’t my best performance. And maybe if I had a bit of extra time over the next few weeks to ease me back into it, that wouldn’t have happened. There’s no better way to get that rustiness out than just to be thrown in the deep end, and I think that will only help me, and I’m almost certain that won’t happen again now. It’s good that I got away with it and he missed the penalty."
COMPETITION
“I’m just delighted to get that first one out of the way because it can always be tough, and hopefully I can just keep working hard and get back in the team. That’s why I’m here, for a chance to play,” he said. “I would have had to challenge for my spot anyway. This way means there’s a spot opened up, and I need to go and grasp it. I’m sure Danny and Aji (Alese) and Dennis will all be fighting for their spot. It’s my time now to go and cement that spot again."
UNEXPECTED RETURN
“I didn’t expect to be thrown back out there that quickly, and it’s unfortunate that Danny picked up an injury but I had to be ready. I was a bit nervous having to get stripped that quickly and having to get back on the pitch, but once I was out there, I was straight back to it and loved every minute.”
EMBO INJURY
“It’s never nice to see that. You could see the pain in his face and his disappointment. It’s never nice to see a team-mate go through that. It’s a really good bunch of lads, and we’re all going to get around him and hopefully build him back stronger and put him in a better shape than he was now when he returns.”
