Interview'It's been a frustrating few months but I'm buzzing to be back'
Conor Bradley expressed his delight after he returned from injury to make his first appearance of the season on Thursday.
The 20-year-old full-back came on towards the end of Liverpool's 4-0 win over LASK at Anfield in the Europa League, marking his comeback from a back problem he sustained in pre-season.
After helping the Reds qualify for the Round of 16, Bradley then signed a new long-term contract with the club and is now keen for more opportunities in the busy months ahead.
He told Liverpoolfc.com post-match: "Buzzing to be back. It's been frustrating and a long couple of months out injured, so buzzing to be back.
"I just want to help the team as much as I can and I just need to try to stay available as much as I can. There's loads of games coming up, so hopefully there'll be plenty of chances for me."
The Northern Ireland international returned to Jürgen Klopp's squad in the summer following a hugely beneficial loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season.
He was looking to maintain his personal momentum but that was unfortunately halted by the issue he suffered in the run-up to 2023-24.
On the injury, Bradley explained: "I just had a sore back. I did a running session in the morning, came in [with] a sore back, got a scan and had a stress fracture in my back.
"I knew then it would be 12 weeks or so out injured, so it was a hard one to take. But thankfully I'm back now and happy.
"I was really enjoying pre-season, I thought I was doing quite well as well. It was a difficult time when it came but I've worked hard, got myself back and I'm buzzing to be back."
Bradley replaced Ryan Gravenberch in the 82nd minute against LASK, with Liverpool 3-0 up at that point after goals from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.
Gakpo grabbed his second in added time to make sure of the victory that – coupled with Toulouse's goalless draw with Union SG – confirmed top spot in Group E.
"It was a really good team performance," Bradley said. "To get the four goals and also the clean sheet is really good. We've topped the group now, so we're all buzzing."