ReactionConor Bradley: I just want to play as many games as I can
Conor Bradley focused on the positives after coming through his first 90 minutes of the season in Liverpool’s Europa League defeat by Union SG.
The Northern Ireland international was one of a host of youngsters to feature for the Reds in their final Group E clash, in Belgium on Thursday night.
It was the full-back’s second appearance of the campaign following an injury picked up during pre-season, and afterwards the 20-year-old was able to reflect on a big personal step forward despite his side’s 2-1 loss.
Asked how he was feeling, Bradley told Liverpoolfc.com: “Knackered! That was my first start in probably six months, so the legs are sore.
“I just need to recover now and get ready for the weekend or next week when I’m next ready.”
Having spent close to four months on the sidelines, Bradley paid tribute to the work done by coaches Conall Murtagh and Dave Rydings during his rehabilitation, and says his target now is to get back into a rhythm of playing regular football.
“Obviously games are going to be different to any training session,” he said. “The rehab we did for me was brilliant with Conall and Dave back at the club, and that has helped me so much to get the minutes. They were brilliant with me in the rehab.”
He continued: “[The plan now is] just to play as much football as possible. I just want to play as many games as I can. I want to keep playing football and see where it takes me.”
Asked about his conversations with manager Jürgen Klopp, Bradley added: “He just said there would be opportunities and games for me to play.
“I just need to do well when I do play and keep working hard every day in training, so that’s what I’m trying to do. Hopefully I can continue that.”
Against Union, Bradley was one of 10 players to feature having played for Liverpool at academy level, with Klopp naming a starting XI with an average age of 22 years and 156 days - the youngest for a European game in the club’s history.
Asked how valuable the experience was, he said: “Massive. To play in Europe and play away from home as well was a really good experience and one that will make us all better.
“It was nice to be out there with some of the other young lads I’ve come through the Academy with. It was a disappointing night but also good at the same time.
“It’s mental when you say that there were 10 of us who got minutes today. It just shows the Academy is doing good work and long may that continue.”