DOM Ballard exudes such belief that one of his interview answers made its way from Snows Stadium to Russell Martin in Plymouth that same evening. 

It was also the journey the striker made after scoring a hattrick in Premier League 2, his second in as many matches, and then being called up for the Championship bench.

Ballard, 18, and goalkeeper Jack Bycroft both hopped in a taxi down to Plymouth Argyle after a 4-2 win over Aston Villa in Totton on Friday.  

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Ballard joked it is lucky the Premier League do not give out their match balls for an under-21 hattrick or he would have run out of room in his flat.

Martin, reciting the quip at Home Park after being told by Saints staff but not knowing it was us who Ballard delivered it to in the first place, said: “I genuinely think Dom thinks he should be playing every week for us.

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“His biggest strength is confidence and personality. (Matt) Gilly said he would want 10 per cent of his confidence. He’s an unbelievable character and has trained with us lots."

Ballard explained: “I have to remain professional even if I think I should be up there and I’ve scored six goals in two games so I’m obviously doing that. 

“For me, it’s an element of arrogance that you’ve got to have as a striker – you’ve got to believe that you’re always going to score.

“For example, with my penalty, I get the ball down and the whole time I believe I’m going to score. The pressure comes with it but it’s the pressure I thrive on.”

It has been a difficult summer for Ballard, who was nominated for Premier League 2’s player of the year after netting 13 in 16 matches to fire his side to the Division Two title.

His hattricks against both Newcastle United and Villa have been despite missing a lot of pre-season, and the chance to join Martin in Turkey, due to some niggly knee injuries.

Teammates Kami Doyle, Jayden Meghoma and Sam Amo-Ameyaw – now a permanent fixture in the men’s team – did not have the same misfortune.

“It was gutting that I had to miss that tour and the games before and after it, it was gutting,” Ballard admitted, reflecting on the lost opportunity.

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“At the same time, all I can do is remain professional in games like these where some of the boys are up, like Sam and Kami, they’re up and doing well.

“Kami is one of my best friends here and now Sam is as well. Them spending time with the first team is an achievement for them but it’s also an achievement for all of us, and we’re really proud of them.

“Anyone who goes up, I always want them to do well. Seeing them boys do it, for me and all the boys it shows that it is possible and it gives you something to strive towards.”

Ballard was always the closest under-21 player to making the big breakthrough last season, making four Saints appearances including a Premier League debut.

Scoring on his club bow against League One opposition Cambridge United under former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl in August, in the EFL Cup, helped with that.

There were other clubs interested in signing Ballard this summer, who would have cost a handsome fee for Saints to release, but the youngster put that to bed in June.

“There was interest and I chose where I want to be, and this is always where I’ve wanted to be,” Ballard insisted, having signed a new three-year contract.

“My performances are showing that I’m playing football where I love to play football. That’s the biggest thing as a player.”

Martin and his coaching staff watched last Friday’s Premier League 2 fixture against Villa over dinner in the team hotel in Plymouth via a live feed.

“Dom has lots to work on but he’s a really natural finisher which is probably the toughest instinct to have as a footballer,” the boss said, delivering his verdict.  

The change in style that Saints have deployed this summer has not knocked Ballard out of his stride but he admits implementing Martin’s philosophy is not easy.

Jason Wilcox, who cited Ballard amongst a number of talented teenagers at Staplewood in an interview with the Daily Echo, himself thinks it might be the hardest.

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Ballard commented: “There’s a lot of positives to take. The new way of playing and how Russell Martin wants us to play is exciting.

“However, there’s a lot to go into it in order to really understand it. Luckily, he’s really good with player-to-player conversations.

“I see the pathway, I really do, and I’m looking forward to that – now I just have to force his hand and get on the team sheet.”

Depending on what happens in the final days of the transfer window, and how quickly Saints can get replacements in if needed, there might be opportunity for Ballard.

Martin is in no rush, though. He revealed to the Daily Echo last week that he would rather the likes of Ballard stay here, scoring in the under-21s, and learn.

That is opposed to going out on loan to a Football League team right now – however, they may revisit that in January for any of their under-21 stars.

“We have a few options in his position so we have to decide what is best for him. At the minute that is being here taking in the information and scoring goals,” Martin now adds.

“If he can’t force his way into our squad I’m sure we will assess the situation. At some point, he will be ready to score goals either for us or someone else.”

Ballard is in agreement with his new manager and – with that confidence we have already spoken about – he does not think that January loan will be needed.

“We’ve had discussions about it and I had interest from clubs for loans but we agreed and I want to be here and push for the first team,” Ballard said.

“Of course, if the pathway does take me to January and I’ve got to go out on loan and play men’s football then that’s what I’ll do.

“Right now, I back myself to get into the first team and score goals there first.”