Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley has made an immediate impression at Bolton Wanderers with manager Ian Evatt already a big admirer of the Premier League youngster, speaking to the Bolton News.
Neco Williams is not the only talented young right-back on his way out of Anfield this summer.
Bradley, following the arrival of Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen, joined League One Bolton on a season-long loan deal. The 18-year-old, who already has eight caps for the Northern Ireland national team, made five first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp last term and could prove to be an inspired addition for a Wanderers side dreaming of the play-offs.
Evatt is certainly of the belief Bradley has the attitude, as well as the ability, to make his mark in the unforgiving world of lower league football.
Conor Bradley joins Bolton Wanderers on loan from Liverpool
“That is sometimes the issue with these big teams and the big Cat One (academy) teams,” says the outspoken tactician. “But I must say that Liverpool and the grounding that they give their players is excellent.
“You don’t get into Jurgen’s first team and play international football at 18 years old unless you’ve got a really strong and good character.
“Everything I have seen from him is exactly that. We had done a lot of homework on him and it is proving right.”
Evatt adds that Bolton had made the technically-gifted, self-confident Bradley their number one target during the January transfer window. Marlon Fossey arrived from Fulham instead and impressed to such an extent that Bradley now arrives with big boots to fill.
“He was our first choice in January,” Evatt adds. “We just couldn’t get him and we didn’t get a bad second one with Marlon.
“But I think we’re seeing glimpses of what he can do for this football club.”
It seems unlikely Bradley has a long-term future at his parent club. Especially now fellow teenager Ramsay has joined Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.
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