Conor Bradley is on the rise, with the Liverpool talent once again shining bright for Northern Ireland. But he once

Having donned the captain's armband for his country and returning to a in the UEFA Nations League, 's journey is one of inspiration. The year 2024 marks his ascension as a staple in the Liverpool first team under the tutelage of new head coach , and already the young right-back boasts major silverware with the club.

But it wasn't all straightforward; casting his mind back to the suggestion of a loan move to League One's Bolton Wanderers at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, Bradley recalls the uncertainty he felt: "They told me that they wouldn't forget about me when I was out on loan," the 21-year-old reflects. "But at the time, you don't really believe it. You think 'a loan, that's sort of me done here'. But you have to keep working hard."

His stint with Bolton proved pivotal, with around 50 matches that transitioned him from youth to seasoned professional: "I played around 50 games for Bolton and it was the best thing for me at that time. It turned me into what I am now, it changed me from a boy into a man. I'm so grateful for the opportunity Bolton gave me to go and play so many games there. It got me ready for coming back at Liverpool and giving it my best shot."

After suffering an injury setback last summer, Bradley - who joined the Liverpool Academy over five years ago - made a timely return just before Christmas. He stepped in for the absent Trent Alexander-Arnold, proving his worth at Anfield.

He finished the season with 23 appearances and has already clocked up six this campaign. Despite acknowledging the challenge of replacing the first-choice right-back - "Not bad, is he? " Bradley quips - he knows that Liverpool's packed schedule across four competitions will provide ample opportunities for game time in the coming weeks and months.

With Alexander-Arnold in the final year of his contract and yet to sign a new deal, there could be a permanent spot available next season. "Everybody knows how good Trent is," Bradley admits.

"He's one-of-a-kind as a footballer. But my goal remains the same as last season - whenever I get the chance to play, I'll do my best to help the team. It's all about winning games and giving it my all. I know I've got stiff competition. If I'm training well, hopefully it can spur Trent on, which can only benefit the team."

The immediate challenge is the in-form Chelsea, as league leaders Liverpool resume their Premier League campaign at Anfield on Sunday. It was during the same fixture in January that Bradley netted his first Reds goal and provided two assists in a 4-1 rout, while Chelsea was the opponent in the League Cup final victory at Wembley the following month, a match he started.

"The first one was at Anfield in my home debut in the Premier League, that was a special night and something I'll remember forever," he said. "Then there was the League Cup final, which felt like a win against the odds when we were playing the game. We just had so many injuries. I started at right-back and 20 minutes in I had to move to the right wing because Ryan (Gravenberch) got injured.

"It was a crazy experience and a day I'll never forget. Winning a trophy for my dream football club is pretty special. It was a wonderful day. I'd played in a final with Bolton the year before (the EFL Trophy in which Plymouth Argyle were beaten 4-0 at Wembley) and that was a good experience as well. It probably got me ready for what was coming the following year. I knew what to expect. That was a good step for me.

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"It was a long time ago that I'd made by debut (September 2021 in League Cup at Norwich) so it has been a long journey.

"Obviously I had to go out on loan to prove myself. Then I came back, I did my pre-season and then got an injury which meant I was out for four months. When I got back fit, everything sort of fell in place for me. Trent got injured, and it gave me an opportunity and I tried to take it the best I could. At that stage I was playing twice a week and it was brilliant for me."

Bradley reflects on his seamless transition into the Liverpool first team, noting there wasn't a specific moment when he felt like a senior player.

"No, I think it's just a gradual thing," he shares. "It's a mad thing to describe - you are used to always being the young kid coming through the ranks, and you're really nervous when you first come in as you're around big stars.

"I don't think there's an actual point where it changes. It's just gradually getting used to it and feeling comfortable around the boys. Now I enjoy playing my football with them."