Football: Liverpool star Conor Bradley can break records for Northern Ireland says former coach

One of Conor Bradley’s youth coaches says the new Liverpool star can break records for his country.

The 20-year-old from Aghyaran in Tyrone has been in superb form for Jurgen Klopp’s side of late – grabbing a goal and five assists in his last five games.

The flying right-back already has 13 senior caps for Northern Ireland is set to be a mainstay for the green and white army for the next decade and more.

Bradley came through the academy at Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts since joining the club at 14, before moving to Anfield two years later.

One of his coaches at the County Tyrone club, Dixie Robinson says the young stars has all the tools to go to the top.

“You could see the attributes that he had, he was really pacey, had loads of energy up and down the pitch and worked hard. He was a very talented boy and always willing to help others," says Robinson of Bradley's time at Dungannon.

“You could see that he was going to go far, but to say that you could see him going across the water and play for Liverpool in the Premier League? I don't think anybody could really say that.

“It's been a remarkable achievement."

“It's phenomenal. To have the composure at such a young age, to go in amongst superstars and perform the way has, I just think we're sort of pinching ourselves. But even listening to his interviews, you can see how grounded he is and he’s a very intelligent young man as well," Robinson added.

“I think his Mum deserves a lot of credit, because she always had him grounded and didn't get too carried away. I think there's a lesson there for a lot of parents of young kids today. Just let it happen. Let them enjoy playing their football and wherever it takes them, it'll take them."

LOAN PAYS OFF

A loan spell at League One side Bolton Wanderers last season saw Bradley earn a multitude of Player of the Year awards, something Robinson says has stood him in good stead.

“Conor was 16 when he left here and to go across there and he’s shown a lot of maturity to go across the water. Going away from home is not easy for any kid.

“I think the loan period was good for him. When he went to Bolton he really fitted in well, he got lots of game time, matured and obviously developed as a player there. You can see with Jurgen Klopp, he absolutely loves him. So he's got it all going for him at the minute," he feels, adding that Liverpool's current famous right-back, might have a job on his hands to regain his spot in Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up.

“I think if you're a young player, and you have someone to aspire to like Trent Alexander Arnold, you're watching him play and you're watching him in training every day, you’re going to learn. I think he has taken a lot from that and I think Trent might have a bit of work to do to get his place back in the team!

NORTHERN IRELAND LEGEND?

Having come through the Northern Ireland youth system at international level, Bradley has been one of standouts during Michael O'Neill's return to the manager's job - despite the defender missing a number of games through injury during the second half of 2023.

Robinson feels the defender has the potential to become one of Northern Ireland's most-capped players and a future captain.

“I think he's going to accumulate an enormous amount of international caps for Northern Ireland.

“The sky's the limit for Conor and I don't think there's anything he can't achieve. Obviously you want to stay injury free and make sure you get a good run of games, but I honestly see him breaking records at international level" says Robinson, who also urged Liverpool fans not to get carried away with someone so young.

“They're just going to have to be patient," he advised.

“He's hit the ground running and his performances have been absolutely superb. To win Man of the Match against Chelsea in the Premier League, where I thought Liverpool were exceptional themselves.

“He’ll possibly have a dip in form at some stage so, I’d say to Liverpool fans: just be patient and stay on side, because you'll get the benefit of it.”