Dan Ballard's involvement in Sunderland's Championship run-in is in doubt - but he could play a part if the Black Cats reach the play-offs. Head coach Tony Mowbray had hoped that Ballard might have got over his hamstring injury in time to be available for Saturday's game against Watford at the Stadium of Light, but now says the Northern Ireland international centre-back will not be involved.
There remains a chance that he could figure in the final day trip to Preston a week on Monday, but only if he is able to train part of next week. A more realistic target for Ballard would be any play-off games although, of course, that would depend on Sunderland clinching a top six place in these final two games.
"It's back-tracked a little bit, I think," Mowbray said of Ballard's situation, having said last week the defender might be involved against Watford. "He hasn't trained this week.
