Conor Bradley has had quite the week. Having captained Northern Ireland proudly for the first time a few days earlier, the Liverpool youngster wore the armband on home soil as his country thumped Bulgaria 5-0
It continued a 2024 of progress for the right-back, who finally became a first-team squad regular with the Reds
But when Bradley was urged to take a loan move at League One side Bolton Wanderers at the start of the 2022/23 season, the defender couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.
Bradley
“They told me that they wouldn't forget about me when I was out on loan,"
"But at the time, you don't really believe it. You think 'a loan, that's sort of me done here'. But you have to keep working hard.
"I played around 50 games for Bolton and it was the best thing for me at that time. It turned me into what I am now, it changed me from a boy into a man.
“I'm so grateful for the opportunity Bolton gave me to go and play so many games there. It got me ready for coming back at Liverpool and giving it my best shot."
While aware of the task of dislodging the first-choice right-back - "Not bad, is he?" smiles Bradley
the relentless schedule as Liverpool challenge on four fronts means there will be plenty of opportunities for minutes over the coming weeks and months.
with Alexander-Arnold in the last 12 months of his contract and still having not signed a new deal, there could be a permanent opening next campaign
Bradley adds
“Everybody knows how good Trent is,"
"He's one of a kind as a footballer. But my aim is the same as last season - whenever I get a chance to be on the pitch I'm going to do my best to help the team.
“It's about winning the games and giving my all.
"I know I've got some decent competition. If I'm training well, hopefully it can push Trent on and that can only be good for the team."
Bradley continued
I've got some special memories against Chelsea,"
“The first one was at Anfield in my home debut in the Premier League, that was a special night and something I'll remember forever.
"Then there was the League Cup final, which felt like a win against the odds when we were playing the game.
“We just had so many injuries. I started at right-back and 20 minutes in I had to move to the right wing because Ryan (Gravenberch) got injured.
"It was a crazy experience and a day I'll never forget. Winning a trophy for my dream football club is pretty special. It was a wonderful day.
"I'd played in a final with Bolton the year before (the EFL Trophy in which Plymouth Argyle were beaten 4-0 at Wembley) and that was a good experience as well.
“It probably got me ready for what was coming the following year. I knew what to expect. That was a good step for me."
Comentarios