AND I’M FEELING... BRAD ALL OVER
Conor: All my dreams are coming true... so now I want a goal for Northern Ireland
CONOR BRADLEY has described the last three months as “mental” after watching his Liverpool career go supersonic.
The talented right-back got his chance when Trent Alexander-arnold injured his knee at Arsenal in early January – and has featured in every game since when he has been available.
He scored his opening goal against Chelsea, and had two assists, and got his first winner’s medal last month when he played a key role in the Carabao Cup final (Bradley celebrating with his team-mates at Wembley, right).
Not a bad start for the kid who grew up in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, dreaming of playing for his beloved Reds. “It’s been mental,” said Bradley. “I remember sitting on the bench at Arsenal, just 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’s just kicked on from there.
“It’s been brilliant. All my dreams have come true in the last few months.
“I’d love to get my first goal for Northern Ireland, that would be a dream come true.
“But quite a few of my big dreams have been realised, especially scoring for Liverpool, getting my first assist and winning at Wembley was brilliant too.”
The Kop have taken Bradley to their hearts after he became the first Northern Ireland player to score for Liverpool since Sammy Smyth in 1954.
“I definitely didn’t think it would go this well,” he said. “You dream about scoring your first goal for Liverpool, but never think it will come true.
“My pinch-myself moment was probably against Chelsea when I scored and had two assists and the fans chanting my name was pretty special.
“I don’t think I’ll have a better night than that to be honest.”
Bradley has remained grounded despite his incredible success and his Northern Ireland team-mates have not dished out any special treatment.
He is back with them after missing the last three squads with a stress fracture of his back and will add to his 13 caps in tomorrow’s friendly against Romania and Tuesday’s clash with Scotland at Hampden Park.
“All the lads still treat me the same, they still slag me off!” he grinned. “Everything has stayed the same and the boys have been brilliant with me.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been away with Northern Ireland – Denmark in June. I’ve missed them and I’m buzzing to be back.”
Bradley is gutted Jurgen Klopp will be leaving at the end of the season and will always appreciate the German boss for believing in him.
“He gave me my first chance with Liverpool so I’ll forever be grateful to him,” said Bradley (with Klopp, left). “When I found out he was leaving, I was just shocked and quite sad because he’s the only manager I’ve ever known at Liverpool.
“The future’s big, I’m really looking forward to the run-in after these two Northern Ireland games.
“Hopefully we can do as well as we can and I’ll have a medal at the end of the season.”
‘All the Northern Ireland lads treat me the same, they still slag me off!’