2025-04-24T06:00:20Z

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Conor Bradley, the promising 21-year-old talent from Northern Ireland, recently expressed his heartfelt ambition to represent his country on the world stage, describing it as the "thing of dreams" to help Northern Ireland secure a spot in the World Cup. This aspiration comes at a pivotal time in his career as he could potentially earn a Premier League winners' medal with Liverpool this weekend, reflecting his rapid rise in the football world.

Bradley has emerged as a vital player for the Northern Ireland national team, led by manager Michael O'Neill. His leadership qualities have been highlighted by his role as captain during two matches in last year's Nations League, showcasing his potential beyond just playing ability.

Despite missing the team's recent friendly fixtures against Switzerland and Sweden last month, Bradley is expected to play a crucial part in Northern Ireland's qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off this September. He understands the challenges that lie ahead, particularly given that relatively few Northern Ireland teams have managed to reach this prestigious tournament in the past.

"That's everyone's dream," Bradley stated, reflecting the sentiments of many Northern Irish football fans. He added, "We know how difficult it is because not many Northern Ireland teams have done it; we know how special it would be." His optimistic outlook is clear when he emphasizes, "It would be unbelievable, the thing of dreams. Hopefully, one day we can get there, and if we keep working hard, I'm pretty sure we can."

In recent years, the Northern Ireland team has seen significant changes, particularly with the retirement of experienced players such as Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, and Jonny Evans. Evans, in particular, has only retired from international football, leaving a noticeable gap in leadership and experience. In the wake of these retirements, O'Neill has shifted his focus toward nurturing a new generation of talent, including younger players like Bradley, Shea Charles, Isaac Price, and Trai Hume.

Bradley acknowledges the importance of harnessing this youthful potential, saying, "We've got potential, but we need to fulfill that. Obviously, we're still really young as it is, we've lost a lot of experience. We have to keep getting experience together and keep improving together; hopefully, there'll be good things around the corner." It's a sentiment that resonates strongly with supporters who are eager to see their national team rise to new heights.