BRADLEY: I’M RELISHING MY HUGE CHANCE
Liverpool v Norwich FA Cup 4th rd, 2.30pm, ITV1 BY RYAN TAYLOR CONOR BRADLEY knows he will be displaced by Trent Alexander-arnold as soon as the Liverpool vice-captain returns from his injury.
But that will not stop him from fighting for a starting berth under Jurgen Klopp.
“Whenever you get a chance, you just need to try to take it,” said the 20-year-old ahead of today’s FA Cup clash with Norwich.
“That’s what I’ve tried to do. We’ve missed Trent, who is just unbelievable.
“He’s probably one of the best right-backs in the world. But I’m just trying to do my best and give what I can to the team.
“I understand that I’m fighting with one of the best for the shirt, so it’s obviously going to be tough – but I just need to give it my all, do what I can, and give the gaffer something to think about.”
Bradley has now racked up 12 senior appearances for the Reds after making his debut in a 3-0 Carabao Cup triumph against the Canaries back in September 2021.
And Bradley dedicates his swift acclimatisation to the first team – via a loan spell with Bolton Wanderers – to Liverpool’s academy coaching staff.
“We’ve just been training hard since I came over at 16, and this is what we’ve trained for,” said the Northern Ireland international.
“We’re trained to get into the first team and do well. All credit to the academy coaches, Barry Lewtas [Under-21s head coach] and people like that who have really helped me along the way.
“They’ve got me ready to come in so that I can take the opportunity when it comes – and hopefully I’m doing that.”
Despite his notable impact, Bradley still suffers with nerves – and is very glad he does.
He added: “Of course I get nervous, I get nervous before every game. But it’s good nerves. I’m excited because this is a chance I’ve been waiting for over the past two years.”
Playing alongside influential captain Virgil van Dijk certainly helps.
Bradley said: “He just always says to me to play my game and be confident and just do what I do.
“Virgil is the best centre-half in the world in my opinion – and to be playing alongside him is a pleasure.”