Local coaches not surprised at Bradley’s rapid progress at Liverpool

CONOR Bradley reached yet another milestone in his phenomenal rise through the ranks of Liverpool Football Club by getting his first taste of Champions League football on Tuesday evening.

Killen lad Bradley came on as a late substitute in the 2-1 victory over AC Milan in the San Siro by replacing Neco Williams in the final minute.

2021 has been an exceptional year for the gifted 18-year-old who has played for the Reds in the Carabro Cup as well as making a number of appearances for the Northern Ireland senior team.

Tuesday evening’s final group game at the San Siro may have been a dead rubber for Liverpool who had already won the group, however Bradley’s inclusion can only be seen as further evidence that the north Tyrone lad is considered as one with a big future at Anfield and very much part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

One man who would subscribe to that theory is Gerard Boyle, who coached the former St Patrick’s, Maiden City and Dungannon United Youth player, during his time with Club NI.

“Conor has a mentality like no other,” said the Strabane man.

“He’s a sponge for information and talk about a growth mindset. I never saw the like of it in all my days, always striving to get better.

“He always had a great work ethic, before he went to Liverpool he had worked so hard. He embraced every challenge and he’s at a club that is the perfect fit. That philosophy that Jurgen Klopp has, that high tempo game. Conor Bradley has a profile tHat fits the bill perfectly.

“He’ll want to make those runs, wanted to press, want to work hard. He’s got all the tools, physically and mentally.”

Another man who was watching Tuesday night’s Champions League clash in Italy was Rory Lynch, one of the first to become aware of Bradley’s natural talent and athletic ability.

Lynch was a prominent figure at Bradley’s first club St Patrick’s, Castlederg before moving to Maiden City and Dungannon.

While he found it quite incredible watching the former Omagh CBS pupil at the San Siro, in many ways he isn’t surprised at the rapid progress Bradley is making at Liverpool.

“It must have been some buzz for the cub being at the San Siro. I obviously haven’t spoken to him yet but I’m looking forward to hearing the stories,” he said.

“He is very highly regarded at Liverpool and I’m not surprised. They were always so keen on Conor, they did their best to get him signed before anyone else.

“They knew that there was something special there and Klopp knows that too.

“There is something about Conor, when he starts playing he lights the place up. It’s amazing to see the energy, the aggression and natural ability.

“He never stops working, it’s his desire to progress and get better that sets him apart from anyone else. When he was a young player he was travelling up and down to Belfast and it never fazed him. I’m sure at times that was a hard ask for him and the family. He is a pure natural talent, some athlete as well.

“Conor’s had some year and all these challenges that keep coming his way never seems to faze him. Seeing images of him on the field along with Zlatan (Ibrahimović) last night and it never took a flinch out of him. It’s amazing for a young lad from the town.

“We’re enjoying every minute watching it and I’m sure he’s loving it.”