Liverpool embraced Bradley's positional switch, insists Devine

Bohemians manager Declan Devine played a part in converting Conor Bradley from a left-winger to Liverpool’s right-back bolter.

As part of his development role with the Irish Football Association, Devine coached Bradley on a weekly basis in the Club NI curriculum and managed the U16 team he captained in 2018 to the U16 Victory Shield in Kerry.

Bradley, on compassionate leave following the death of his father last week, hailed from Castlederg in Co Tyrone, a short hop from Devine’s stronghold of Derry.

“Conor is a fantastic kid and fantastic player who is getting everything he deserves,” he said of the 20-year-old, who scored and won man-of-the-match in recent Premier League mauling of Chelsea.

“I think he was about 12 when we took him to his first tournament. At the time he was very direct wide left winger, scoring a lot of goals coming on to his right foot. Through one thing or another, we felt right back was best position.

“He moved from one side of the pitch. Having the game in front of him, we believed he’d turn into what he has.” 

While he doesn’t proclaim to deserve full credit, the repositioning idea was one that Liverpool embraced.

He said: “We knew from a young age he’d work with Liverpool. I was very much part of that process, Liverpool coming over monthly and we put programmes in place for Conor.

"It was interesting to change a young, talented player who scored loads of goals but Liverpool agreed that right back position was his best position.

“That was from attacking prowess, ability to cross and be creative. He also had the fitness levels and speed - a very driven and determined young man.

“I met him last season when I went to watch Eoin Toal playing for Bolton, the same team Conor was on loan to. I’m