Bradley makes his first competitive start for Reds

Jurgen Klopp has hailed the performance of Conor Bradley, who made his senior competitive debut for Liverpool in last night’s third round Carabao Cup clash at Norwich City

The north Tyrone teenager played the full 90 odd minutes in the Reds’ 3-0 victory at Carrow Road and in taking his senior bow he became the first player from Northern Ireland in 67 years to play for the Liverpool first team.

The last man to achieve that was Sammy Smyth way back in 1954.

Killen lad Bradley was one of two teenagers handed their debuts by Reds boss Klopp – the other teenage midfielder Kaide Gordon – and the German was suitably impressed.

“The kids did exceptionally well, I have to say. All three physically really strong and that’s maybe the biggest surprise, that they could go 92 minutes. I am really happy for them, it was a big moment for the boys,” he said on the club website.

Bradley’s first appearance was on the cards after he had been left out of the under-23s game against Leeds at the weekend.

Earlier this month the talented 18-year-old made his international debut for Northern Ireland when he came off the bench in the World Cup Qualifier against Switzerland at The National Stadium.

The right-back was included in Liverpool’s squad for their pre-season tour in Austria and made his debut in a friendly against VfB Stuttgart.

On Tuesday evening Bradley did concede a first half penalty after bundling Dimitris Giannoulis over in the area however goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved Christos Tzolis penalty to maintain Liverpool’s lead following Takumi Minamino fourth minute opener.

However  the former St Patrick’s Castlederg player didn’t let that affect him and, after Divock Origi grabbed a second for the Reds shortly after the interval, Bradley was involved in the attack which ended with Minamino grabbing his second of the evening to seal the victory.

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