Jurgen Klopp has stated that Conor Bradley becoming the first Northern Irishman to feature in a competitive game For Liverpool has been ‘too long’ in the making, as he told Sky Sports.
On Tuesday night, Liverpool handed a debut to a number of their youngsters during their League Cup win against Norwich City.
One of them included 18-year-old Bradley – who became the first Northern Irishman since Sammy Smyth in 1954 to don the Liverpool colours in a competitive match.
It would have, no doubt, been a proud moment for the right-back, who played the entire game for his side as they recorded a comfortable 3-0 win.
Klopp stated that Bradley had a ‘super game’ and commented on what he was hearing beforehand.
“Only when they are good enough,” said Klopp. “They are good enough. We saw Conor Bradley.
“I heard before the game, the first Northern Irish player, since 1954 or something, it sounds too long. But it’s a great thing. And he played a super game.”
It has been quite the month for Bradley because, at the start, he was coming off the bench in what was his first competitive game for his country.
Bradley earned over 20 minutes against Switzerland in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park, which Ian Baraclough’s men drew 0-0.
And now he is on the big stage for his club, so it’s a case of the youngster continuing to surge forward.
Given that the Reds will face-off against Preston North End in the next round, it will be interesting to see if Klopp sticks with his younger players.
In truth, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he does because they are deserving of another shot.
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