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Liverpool’s Conor Bradley had an unusual preparation for Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying games against Slovakia and Luxembourg this week.
Typically, the Northern Ireland squad returns to Belfast to meet before matches, but the team made the unusual decision to train in Liverpool before flying to Slovakia. Specifically, the Green and White Army used Everton’s Goodison Park to train earlier this week, with the ground now housing the Toffees’ women’s team.
Bradley was pictured training on enemy turf on Tuesday, along with fellow Premier League stars Daniel Ballard, Trai Hume, and Justin Devenney. While an unconventional way for Bradley to begin an international break, he faced even more familiar surroundings during the September international break, when Michael O’Neill’s side began their preparations at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre.
The 22-year-old, who has played an increasingly prominent role for Liverpool in recent weeks, is the star attraction at the international level. He has already earned 28 caps and has even captained the side on numerous occasions.
Northern Ireland could earn a World Cup play-off spot depending on the results in the final two qualifying games.
It currently sits a point behind Slovakia ahead of Friday’s encounter, and will feel confident of overcoming Luxembourg back in Belfast on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the games, O’Neill said: “I am pleased to confirm the squad has arrived all fit and looking forward to the week ahead.
“We know the task in front of us and even despite some injuries, which has been a characteristic of the campaign, the group, from players to coaching staff, has real belief and is confident for these final two games.
“To conclude the campaign in front of our home fans will be particularly special, too.”
Should Northern Ireland miss out on an automatic play-off spot, it could still secure one via the Nations League route. The team has not qualified for a major tournament since Euro 2016.
Meanwhile, at the club level, Bradley has excelled in recent matches. He was Liverpool’s best performer in the defeat to Manchester City and earned praise from Pep Guardiola after the game.
“Today, Bradley, I'm really impressed with,” said the Catalan, after the 3-0 victory at the Etihad.
“[Pep] Lijnders told me he can do everything - and I know how good he was with Vinicius and he handled it.
“He was aggressive with and without the ball. We tried to help him and he played an outstanding game.”
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