Northern Ireland's football scene is witnessing the rise of Conor Bradley, a talent who has made significant strides since his early days in youth football. According to Northern Ireland national team manager Michael O’Neill, Bradley's potential was evident even during his teenage years at Dungannon Swifts. However, the road to success came with some missed opportunities.
During a recent documentary titled "From Aghyaran To Anfield: Conor Bradley’s Journey To Liverpool," O’Neill shared insights about his attempt to sign Bradley on loan while managing Stoke City. Unfortunately, Liverpool's response was that they did not think he was ready for the EFL Championship. O’Neill reflected, “When I was manager of Stoke, I spoke to (Liverpool Chief Scout and former Northern Ireland international) Barry Hunter about bringing Conor in on loan and they told me they didn’t think he was ready for the Championship, and I remember going to watch him in December or January playing for Bolton in League One, he was more than ready.”
Instead, Bradley spent the 2022/23 season on loan at EFL League One side Bolton Wanderers. While there, he quickly proved his worth, earning both Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year accolades. His performances caught O’Neill's attention, especially after he retook management of Northern Ireland in December 2022.
Bradley made his senior international debut in May 2021, and since O’Neill's reappointment, he has grown into a vital player, even netting his first international goal during a friendly against Scotland in March 2024. O’Neill aptly described this moment as a “coming of age” for Bradley, where he not only scored the winning goal but also demonstrated his development against top-tier players, such as Scotland's Andy Robertson.
Reflecting on that special night, O’Neill stated, “To play and score his first international goal was quite interesting because he was playing against (club team mate) Andy Robertson; that’s probably where I saw Conor Bradley come of age that night.” He emphasized the pride he felt watching Bradley thrive at the Premier League and Champions League levels.
Declan Devine, the manager of Glentoran and Bradley's former coach during his development, praised the young player’s early promise. Devine recalled first meeting Bradley at around age 11 or 12 during trials for an Under-12s team. “We were running these nine-a-side games, and this tiny-in-stature young kid came along and not only was he technically very good but he had energy and pace,” Devine remembered.
Devine recognized Bradley's early potential, noting that he stood out for his intelligence on the ball and his hunger to improve. “Whenever the ball was at Conor’s feet, you just knew things were going to happen. He was a step ahead in terms of his thought process but also how he received the ball, how he took the ball in tight areas,” he said.
The young defender’s tenacity was underscored during a match against Real Madrid, where he made a memorable tackle on superstar Kylian Mbappe, showcasing his no-fear mentality. This fearless attitude has garnered respect from players and coaches alike. Devine expressed his unwavering belief in Bradley’s future impact, stating, “As a family, there was a bit of bad luck maybe, but there was never any doubt Conor Bradley would play for Northern Ireland.”
This journey culminated in Bradley's recent performances for Liverpool, which included his first goal for the club during a 4-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea in January 2024. Today, he has already amassed 23 caps and scored four goals for his national team, demonstrating his rapid ascension in the sport.
Describing Bradley's progress, Devine said, “You see the no-fear attitude, whether it be Mbappe or (Jude) Bellingham or whoever he faces, it’s like he belongs in Anfield and he belongs in the international stage.” The shared pride among his coaches and teammates is palpable, highlighting how a young player can rise to stardom through perseverance and support.
As Conor Bradley continues to shine, the football community watches eagerly to see how his burgeoning career unfolds. With an impressive skill set and a commitment to continuous improvement, he stands as a beacon of hope for both Northern Ireland football and aspiring players everywhere.
