Conor Bradley came on late in Liverpool’s win over Newcastle
Conor Bradley provided Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill with a welcome boost on Monday night by making his first appearance of the season in Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 victory at Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old, who was ruled out of the Community Shield and his side’s League opener at home to Bournemouth due to injury, came off the bench in the 80th minute, was booked and then played a part in Liverpool’s winning goal in the 100th minute scored by 16-year-old substitute Rio Nguhoma.
With fellow right back Jeremie Frimpong sidelined until after the September international break, Bradley’s return to action at St James’ Park was well timed for Reds boss Arne Slot.
The Tyrone man will now have another week’s training and could be in contention to start Sunday’s mouthwatering clash against Arsenal at Anfield after midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai filled in at right-back last night against Newcastle.
Northern Ireland’s No.1 goalkeeper Pierce Charles is out of next month’s World Cup qualifiers in Luxembourg and Germany due to a shoulder injury, while defender Daniel Ballard is a major doubt after suffering a groin injury at the weekend playing for Sunderland.
Therefore, O’Neill needs the rest of his big hitters fit with Bradley, more than most, coming into that category.