How will Ballard injury impact Northern Ireland?

Losing Dan Ballard is a big blow to Northern Ireland for the World Cup play-off in Italy [Getty Images] In a huge blow to Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 1986, Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been ruled out of the play-off semi-final in Italy. A hamstring injury for the Sunderland defender means that Michael O'Neill will be without two of his four Premier League players for the crucial game. Conor Bradley is also absent with a knee injury, which leaves Trai Hume and Justin Devenny as the only players who have played in the top flight this season.

But how will Northern Ireland cope without Ballard, and who could replace him? Ballard to miss Northern Ireland's Italy play-off Will 'risky' Gattuso lead Italy back to World Cup? Ballard's back luck In the past year, Ballard has been unavailable for Northern Ireland as much as he has been able to play.

A hamstring injury ruled him out of March's friendlies with Switzerland and Sweden last year, and he also missed the opening two qualifiers in Luxembourg and Germany with a knee issue. The 26-year-old also sat out the final qualifier at home to Luxembourg, which was a dead rubber, through suspension. Of the five games he has missed, Northern Ireland have lost two, won two - both against Luxembourg - and drawn once.

A physical presence, Northern Ireland have conceded four goals in the five matches that Ballard has played in, compared to 10 when he has been unavailable. Five of those came against Sweden, when O'Neill was not only without Ballard but also Trai Hume and Bradley in a weakened NI team. At the other end of the pitch, Ballard is also a threat and has scored five goals in his 33 caps.