Assuming Paddy McNair will begin no matter Ballard’s damage, O’Neill has quite a few choices obtainable to him.
Norwich City’s Ruairi McConville is the most definitely substitute for Ballard in Bergamo.
The 20-year-old was additionally an damage doubt however performed the complete 90 minutes of the loss to Southampton on Wednesday, and once more in Saturday’s win over Charlton Athletic.
He made his debut in 2024 and has gained 9 caps, and has been a daily for Norwich since breaking into the primary staff in November.
Another choice at centre again is Eoin Toal, who began the World Cup qualifier in Germany.
The Bolton Wanderers captain has helped the membership to 3rd in League One, and has gained 10 caps.
Oxford United’s Ciaron Brown has typically been used as a dependable again up for O’Neill when others are out injured, and is a pure left-sided centre again.
He possesses an extended throw and has scored twice in his final six matches for Oxford, so is a menace at each ends of the pitch.
Tom Atcheson has been known as into the squad as Ballard’s substitute from the Under-21s and is a know amount to O’Neill, who’s his supervisor at Blackburn Rovers.
Atcheson, 19, was named man of the match in Saturday’s goalless draw with Championship entrance runners Middlesbrough.
