Conor Bradley admits he can’t wait to play against 30-year-old Liverpool teammate for Northern Ireland next week

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It has been quite the rise for Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley over recent months.

The 20-year-old has established himself as the Reds’ first-choice at full-back while Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured. More than that though, Bradley has excelled in the role.

For some people, the Northern Irishman’s emergence will have been a complete surprise. But for those paying closer attention, it has been coming for a while.

Certainly, any Northern Ireland fans will have been aware of Bradley for years now. The youngster actually made his international debut back in 2021. He already has 13 caps. The current international break is Bradley’s first as a Liverpool first-teamer, though.

And as fate would have it, the right-back will come up against one of his Reds teammates. Northern Ireland play Scotland next Tuesday, March 26h. And speaking to BBC Sport about the game, Bradley says he’s looking forward to facing Andy Robertson and co.

“Hopefully it’ll be fun, hopefully I’ll get the better of him [Robertson]!” he smiled. “No, it’ll be a good game, at Hampden as well especially, sold out crowd, will be good. We’re all looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the win.”

Bradley set to face Robertson

Being a right-back to Robertson’s left-back, it’s likely that Bradley and his older colleague will be direct rivals on the pitch Tuesday.

It is only a friendly, but there’ll surely be a fierce battle between the pair as they look to come out on top. As attacking as they both are, expect to see some one-on-one duels between them.

Since Bradley broke through into the Liverpool first-team, he’s spoken about how Robertson has been helping him along the way.

As one of the senior players in the Reds’ squad now, it’ll no doubt be a proud moment for Robbo to come up against Conor.

In terms of the result, it’s anyone’s to call really. Scotland should go into the game as favourites having been in decent form and qualified for Euro 2024.

But Northern Ireland shocked Denmark last time out. They’re capable of a result on their day.

Given his rise at Liverpool, there will now be more eyes on Bradley’s performances for his country. He’s dealt with everything that’s come his way so far though, so don’t expect that to be a problem for him.

Joe Cole claimed last week that Bradley now has the makings of being a ‘world-class’ player. Coming up against one of the best left-backs of recent years will be one of the best tests of that yet. Robbo won’t be going easy on the young man, you can bet one that.