‘Fantastic’ Liverpool defender picks himself to score his country’s first goal at the Nations League this week

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Liverpool will be well-represented during the upcoming international break, perhaps much to the frustration of Arne Slot.

Four Liverpool players only just represented their nations at Copa America this summer, with 10 having been selected by their countries for Euro 2024.

Slot now has to deal with a long list of first-team and academy stars heading off for another international break, from captain Virgil van Dijk to youngster Trey Nyoni.

The club’s South American and Asian stars will be off to compete in World Cup qualifiers, with their European men set for Nations League matches.

Slot will want all of his players back at Anfield as soon as possible, with the Reds having enjoyed a strong start to the new season.

Liverpool star Conor Bradley backs himself to score for Northern Ireland

But one player who could be looking to impress his new manager in the coming weeks is Conor Bradley, who has appeared from the bench in all three matches so far.

Interestingly, the right-back has been selected by Michael O’Neill as a midfielder in the latest Northern Ireland squad.

And he is certainly full of confidence in his own ability ahead of the meetings with Luxembourg and Bulgaria, as are his compatriots.

The Northern Ireland squad were asked to predict who will score their first Nations League goal of the new campaign, with Shea Charles, Paddy McNair and Shayne Lavery all picking Bradley.

Josh Magennis then said either Bradley or Dion Charles, with Ali McCann pointing to Bradley, before the Liverpool star answered the question by raising his hand and saying: “Me.”

What role will Conor Bradley play under Arne Slot at Liverpool?

Bradley burst onto the scene with several hugely impressive displays under Jurgen Klopp last season, endearing himself to the Anfield faithful.

And he has done the same thing at international level, with the 21-year-old often playing further forward for his nation, such is his ability going forward.

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He already has one Liverpool goal to his name, while Bradley also boasts three goals for Northern Ireland.

Slot clearly has big plans for the defender, who looks certain to take over the mantle from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the future.

National media labelled Bradley ‘fantastic’, while Northern Ireland manager O’Neill believes Liverpool know how versatile Bradley can be.

Getting the nod at right-back under Slot at Liverpool, the youngster has often played at right-midfield for his nation in recent matches.