Liverpool star Conor Bradley believes Northern Ireland can go into next year’s World Cup qualifying campaign with real hope after topping their Nations League group following a 2-2 draw away to Luxembourg in the final game of the campaign.
Bradley joined Isaac Price on the scoresheet with Northern Ireland in control for most of the match until two late goals in a three minute spell from the home side saw them earn an unlikely point.
Not winning a game they deserved to was disappointing for the visitors but the primary objective of ending up first in League C and earning promotion to League B was achieved.
Bradley said: “I thought it was probably one of our best performances in the whole group. We played some fantastic football throughout and then there was a five or 10 minute spell when they were on top and got two goals which can happen in football.
“I think we deserved to win the game but we will take the draw because we topped the group and that was our aim coming into the Nations League so we are happy.
“I scored a goal and should have had two. I was really happy with the goal and to score in front of the Northern Ireland fans is something special and is something I will cherish.
“It has been a really good year. I’ve really enjoyed it. Playing games regularly for my country is a special thing. I’ve captained the country so it has been a special year and I’ll look back on it with really fond memories.”
Before Luxembourg’s comeback, Bradley almost made it 3-0.
On that he said: “If I score the third goal for us it probably kills the game. It is something we can take massive learning from.
“We should be winning the game and dominated throughout except for those 10 minutes but they scored from a set piece and a wonderful finish so hats off to them.
“It stunned us because we were in total control and it was disappointing but we got through the game after that and were able to top the group. We can learn from that and take it into the World Cup qualifiers.”
The World Cup draw will take place in December and Anfield ace Bradley, who has excelled at club and international level in 2024, is excited about the prospect feeling Michael O’Neill’s side can look forward with genuine hope.
“Definitely. I don’t see why not. We are a young team that has to learn on the job in a way but I feel we are getting better with every game and we can go into the World Cup with hope. I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 21-year-old.
On Friday at Windsor Park in the 2-0 win over Belarus Bradley received a standing ovation when he left the pitch late on with the crowd singing his name. He rewarded the supporters with his celebration following his goal in Luxembourg.
“I’m really grateful for all the support,” said the Tyrone native.
“It was mental walking off around the side (at Windsor) and hearing everyone chanting your name and clapping you off. Any time I play for Northern Ireland I try to give my all and try to repay that faith they show in me and the confidence they give me. Scoring against Luxembourg I was really happy and I gave it an extra fist pump after what happened the other night.”