NOT BRAD FOR STARTERS

Robinson praise for Conor’s early impact at Liverpool

LIVERPOOL starlet Conor Bradley has the talent, work ethic and mentality to carve out a bright future for himself after sealing a professional contract with the Anfield club.

That’s the view of Dungannon Swifts and Dungannon United youth academy director Dixie Robinson who worked with the 16-year-old during his time at the Tyrone club.

Bradley, who captained Northern Ireland U16s to 2018 Victory Shield glory, has impressed at Liverpool since arriving on a scholarship in September.

And the Reds, who blooded the Aghyaran lad in their U23 and U18 teams in recent months, have moved swiftly to secure the teenager on a three-year deal.

“It’s a massive seal of approval and it doesn’t surprise me,” said Robinson, who has been head of development at Dungannon for the past 15 years. “Conor is exceptionally talented, technically very good and has great athletic ability. He also has a phenomenal work ethic and is very dedicated.

He always gave 100% and was the type of lad who would be looking at you during sessions expecting you to challenge him. He wanted you to work him hard.

“It’s important to have that mentality. That determination to work hard and improve will stand him in good stead at Liverpool.

“To reward Conor with a three-year professional contract just nine months after he went there on a scholarship tells you a lot

“Liverpool have been playing him at right-back for their U18s and he also played for the U23s which is impressive given it was his first full season. It’s amazing what he has done. If he can stay injury free, you’d be hopeful there’d be a career in full-time football for Conor, ideally where he’s at because I know that he’s a Liverpool fan.”

Dungannon has been a vibrant breeding ground for young talent for many years and Bradley’s age group saw no fewer than three players make the move to fulltime football in England.

Midfielder Sean Mcallister, 17, is now with

Everton while

16-year-old defender Aaron

Donnelly joined

Nottingham Forest last summer.

“We were very fortunate with Conor’s age group,” said Robinson.

“We had five who went on to play for the Victory

Shield winning team, three who signed pro deals in England while 16-year-old Terry Devlin played for Dungannon Swifts last season.

“Nothing gives you more satisfaction than seeing young players progress their careers, either in the Irish League or across the water.”