After a self-described “whirlwind” breakthrough season with Liverpool, the start of Conor Bradley’s second campaign in the first team has been solid, rather than spectacular.
The right-back has been a regular off the bench under boss Arne Slot, who has guided Liverpool to the top of the Premier League after replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Bradley is now on international duty with Northern Ireland, where he is a key player despite only being 21 years of age.
After the highs of last season, he admits there is more to come.
“Probably not as good as last year, yet, but we’ve only just started,” Bradley told BBC Sport NI when asked to assess his season to date.
“It’s been really good as well. I feel like I’ve learnt a lot from the new manager.
“I’ve really enjoyed it and hopefully we can add some trophies come the end of the season as well.”
Bradley was offered the chance to shine by Klopp last season, and he says he is ready to take the next step under Slot, who replaced the German in the summer.
“They are two different people but I have really enjoyed working under the new gaffer,” he added.
“I’ve learnt a lot from him and it’s been really good. Long may that continue.
“I’m still young, I’m only 21. I know I’m not the complete player and I still have loads of places I can improve.
“As long as I keep working hard, in the gym and on the pitch every day, I can only get better and hopefully I’ll continue to do that.”
Bradley is ambitious, and that is something that is no secret. Despite Trent Alexander-Arnold being ahead of him in the pecking order at Anfield, he says his “ultimate aim” is to be a regular starter under Slot.
“I want to be playing week in, week out for Liverpool,” he said.
“I know I have a tough challenge ahead of me but I want to give my all every day and see where that takes me.”
‘I still get slagged off’
Despite only being 21, Bradley is one of Northern Ireland’s highest-profile players following his exploits with Liverpool.
He says he “loves” going to camp with Northern Ireland and his international team-mates keep his feet firmly on the ground.
“I still get slagged off as well. It’s brilliant and I really enjoy coming away with the boys,” Bradley said with a laugh.
“When you come here it’s all boys from back home, ones you grew up with. It’s always nice coming here and I do enjoy it.”
Bradley adds he doesn’t feel any additional pressure when he comes on international duty.
“Maybe from the outside, but for me and myself I don’t really feel it.
“I just want to play my football and do the best I can for my country.”
After an opening-game win over Luxembourg in the Nations League, Northern Ireland fell to defeat in Bulgaria in the second game of September’s double-header.
Michael O’Neill’s side are back on the road to face Belarus on Saturday, before the Bulgarians visit Windsor Park on Tuesday.
Saturday’s match will be played behind closed doors in Hungary because of Uefa restrictions on Belarus.
Bradley feels like the game will be like Covid times, which took pace in empty stadiums, but earning the three points “is the most important thing”.
He added: “We need to win both, especially after the result in Bulgaria.
“We’ve had a really good week of training and we have worked on a lot of stuff.
“It will be different but hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the win.”
