CONOR BRADLEY admits the last three months have been ‘mental’ as he reflects on an incredible rise at Liverpool.
And the 20-year-old hopes to make another dream come true this week by scoring his first goal for Northern Ireland.
Bradley flew with the squad to Romania last night still dizzy over his Anfield breakthrough, which has included a first major trophy with this season’s Carabao Cup.
The rookie, currently learning from world-class right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, said: “It’s been mental. I remember sitting on the bench at Arsenal dying to get on.
“They moved Trent into midfield and I came on at right-back.
“I was up against Gabriel Martinelli and it was a big test but I did OK and it has just kicked on from there.
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“It’s been brilliant. My dreams have come true in the last four months.
“I want to keep going now and keep up this momentum. I’ve supported Liverpool since I was a boy so getting a trial with them was just mad when I was 16.
“I’d love to get my first goal for Northern Ireland, that would be a dream too. But quite a few of my big dreams have been realised.
“Especially scoring for Liverpool, getting my first assist and going out at Wembley was brilliant too.”
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Not only that, Bradley scored in the 4-1 Premier League win against Chelsea and bagged two assists.
He has fast established himself in the first team and in the hearts of the fans. And the County Tyrone lad is sure to add to his 13 caps in the two friendlies — tomorrow in Bucharest and against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
He said: “I definitely didn’t think it would go this well.
“My pinch-myself moment was probably against Chelsea when I scored and got two assists and the fans were chanting my name.
“I don’t think I’ll have a better night than that to be honest. But all the lads still treat me the same, they still slag me off!
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been away with Northern Ireland, against Denmark in June. I’ve missed them and I’m buzzing to be back.”
Northern Ireland did not qualify for Euro 2024 this summer but Bradley is enjoying working behind enemy lines with boss Michael O’Neill.
Norn Iron have been at the Etihad Campus this week, the training base of Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City. Bradley joked: “I’ve tried to see if there are any tactics around. It’s weird being there as a Liverpool player but the facilities are brilliant.
“The future’s big, I’m really looking forward to the Premier League run-in. Hopefully I’ll have a medal at the end of the season.”
But Bradley will miss Reds boss Jurgen Klopp when the manager moves on at the end of the season.
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He added: “He’s helped me massively. He gave me my chance so I’ll be forever grateful.
“When I found out he’s leaving I was shocked and sad as he’s the only Liverpool manager I’ve known.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
