5 months ago
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Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images
Manager Michael O’Neill was full of praise for the young Liverpool right back following Tuesday’s friendly victory for Northern Ireland.
Young Liverpool right back Conor Bradley won’t be at the Euros this summer, with Northern Ireland having failed to qualify for the 2024 edition of the tournament set to kick off latter this week from Germany.
Following a 2-0 win over Andorra in a friendly that saw Bradley score both goals, though, it’s certain he’ll be a key part of manager Michael O’Neill’s plans when they kick off Nations League action in September.
Bradley took on a more advanced role on the right of midfield against Andorra and beyond the two goals he continued his strong club form and was impressive across 76 minutes.
“Conor was terrific in the game,” O’Neill said following their victory on Tuesday. “He’s very comfortable when he goes into those midfield areas. He can play anywhere on the right-hand side and play in midfield.
He has that desire and athleticism to get into the box and it was two very good finishes. We’re trying to create a bit of depth in the squad and that is what we are trying to achieve.”
It will be interesting to see where Bradley fits into new Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s plans, too, with speculation over the role of starting right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, expected to play in midfield for England at the Euros.
If Alexander-Arnold moves fully into midfield at the club level, too, the starting job is likely Bradley’s to lose, and there could also be minutes at left back should Kostas Tsimikas depart.
What seems clear is that following a breakout 2023-24 for Bradley that saw the 20-year-old play 23 first team games for the Reds and establish himself in his national team side, the future is bright for the young Red.
