Conor Bradley gives verdict on positional change in Northern Ireland defeat

Conor Bradley has admitted he was disappointed with his performance in Northern Ireland’s defeat to Slovakia as the Liverpool star was deployed in a more offensive role.

With a plethora of injuries for Michael O’Neill’s side, Bradley played in midfield as part of 3-5-2 shape. The 22-year-old had a limited impact on a night Northern Ireland struggled to exert itself on the contest.

Slovakia dominated for long spells but didn’t score until second-half injury-time, when Tomas Bobcek fired in the only goal of the game. It was a goal that ensured Slovakia’s chances of qualifying automatically for next summer’s World Cup will be determined on Monday against Germany in Leipzig.

Reflecting on his personal performance, Bradley told the Irish News: “I think it was a difficult game to get into, whether I was playing as wing-back or a 10.

“It just wasn’t a great game of football. I don’t think the pitch helped at all. Michael put me in a different role and I tried to give my all, help the boys as much as possible.

“I don’t feel like I had probably my best game that I’ve had for Northern Ireland, but I just tried to work as hard as I could and help the boys as much as possible.

“We’re going to have moments like this. It’s obviously a difficult game. Slovakia are a good team.”

Despite the disappointing defeat, Northern Ireland actually secured a play-off spot on Friday thanks to results elsewhere.

The Green and White Army will be among the four sides to earn a place via the Nations League route, and will be joined in March’s fixtures along with 12 runners-up across the various qualifying campaigns.

Northern Ireland will have to play a seeded side such as Italy or Turkey away from home, and should it win, will then face a one-off final to potentially earn a first World Cup place in 40 years.

Bradley is eagerly anticipating that challenge. “It’s nice to get a play-off. Obviously, it’s going to be brilliant,” said the Liverpool right-back.

“It’s going to be difficult but we’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll have some of the boys back fit, make sure boys aren’t suspended for things and then really looking forward to it.

“We’re two games away from being at a World Cup, which is pretty special.

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