Main pic: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp congratulates Conor Bradley after another brilliant performance. Image: Sky Sports.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on a former Finn Valley AC athlete after his stirring performance in last night’s victory over Fulham.
Conor Bradley (20), from the Tyrone village of Killen, close to the Donegal border, was hugely impressive in the comeback win at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined with a knee injury, the Northern Ireland international started against the Cottagers as goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo earned victory to ensure the Reds take a lead into the second leg at Craven Cottage later this month.
And Klopp admitted that he had been waiting for the moment where he would be able to unleash the defender after a back injury suffered in pre-season ultimately sidelined him until November.
“I am completely happy. I was waiting for that moment that we can give him the opportunity,” Klopp told reporters.
“I was really waiting for it because when he was injured in pre-season, my opinion about him was already high. And then he was out for a pretty long time. A top boy. Today was pretty intense for him. Someone has to drive him home, hopefully, because he is sitting in the dressing room and not looking great! He gave his absolute everything and it is just so nice to see.”
The Aghyaran youngster also received the Liverpool supporters Man of the Match award.
Conor is a son of businessman Joe Bradley, of Derg Commercials, and Linda (nee McMenamin) and has strong Donegal connections. He won numerous medals while competing at underage level for the Stranorlar-based Finn Valley AC and also starred for his local Aghyaran GAA Club in the Tyrone league.
Conor Bradley with his parents, Joe and Linda, during a presentation at the Aghyaran GAA Club before he signed for Liverpool.
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