27 January 2024 , 22:30
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Conor Bradley knows he'll be displaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold when Liverpool's vice-captain returns from injury.
But that won't stop him from fighting for a starting berth under Jurgen Klopp before the German emotionally departs Anfield at the end of the season.
"Whenever you get a chance, you just need to try and take it," said the 20-year-old ahead of today's FA Cup clash with Norwich - before Friday's bombshell announcement.
"That's what I've tried to do. We've missed Trent who is just unbelievable. He's probably one of the best right-backs in the world. But I'm just trying to do my best and give what I can to the team."
Yet despite his admiration for his perfect mentor - Bradley makes no secret of the fact he's gunning for a regular first-team role. He added: "I understand that I'm fighting with one of the best for the shirt so it's obviously going to be tough but I just need to give it my all, do what I can and give the gaffer something to think about."
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The determined defender has now racked up 12 senior appearances for the Reds after making his debut in a 3-0 Carabao Cup triumph against the Canaries in September 2021.
And Bradley dedicates his swift acclimatisation to senior football - via an impressive loan spell with Bolton Wanderers - to Liverpool's academy coaching staff, who have helped him make the transition so seamlessly.
"We've just been training hard since I came over at 16 and this is what we've trained for," said the Northern Ireland international.
"We're trained to get into the first team and do well. All credit to the academy coaches, Barry Lewtas and people like that who have really helped me along the way. They've got me ready to come in so that I can take the opportunity when it comes - hopefully, I'm doing that."
Trent Alexander-Arnold could return from injury against Norwich (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)Despite his notable impact at right-back, Bradley is humble enough to concede he still suffers with nerves before he steps beyond the white line.
He added: "Of course I get nervous, I get nervous before every game. But it's good nerves. I'm excited because this is a chance I've been waiting for, for the past two years. To get this now, I need to keep doing well and make it count."
Playing alongside influential captain Virgil van Dijk certainly helps as the Dutchman tends to help coach Bradley through proceedings. Bradley said of Liverpool's imperious skipper: "He just always says to me to play my game and be confident and just do what I do. Virgil is the best centre-half in the world in my opinion and to be playing alongside him is a pleasure and it really helps playing alongside him. He just talks to you all the time and eases you through it and he's just fantastic."
Yet it's not just starts on Bradley's Liverpool agenda - he wants goals too. The youngster concluded: "Hopefully if I get the chance on Sunday I can do well. I should have had my first goal at Bournemouth last weekend.
"I just eyed it up as soon as it came to me and I thought 'I'm going to score here' then obviously I missed, so I was gutted. It was a header so I wouldn't say it was my strong point but I just need to keep getting into those positions and hopefully I'll get a goal." Bradley scored seven times in 53 appearances during his loan with Bolton last season before winning their Player of the Year award.
Last weekend's 4-0 victory at Bournemouth was the first time Liverpool have fielded six players aged 21 or younger in a league match since April 1965.
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