Robertson's Liverpool warning to in-form Conor Bradley

This has been Conor Bradley’s breakout year. Although the Northern Ireland right back has been in and around the Liverpool first team for a while - making his debut as long ago as 2021 - it has only been since the turn of the year that he’s become a regular fixture in the squad and in the first team. 

The recent injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold have opened the door to the 20-year-old in the last few weeks and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. 

Since making his full Premier League debut against Bournemouth in January, he has played four times in the top flight, scored his first goal against Chelsea, grabbed two man of the match awards, and has played his part in Liverpool’s progress in the cups as well. 

Bradley made two assists in the recent FA Cup victory over Norwich City and played 90 minutes in each leg of the semi-finals against Fulham in the Carabao Cup. 

With the Reds facing Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final this afternoon, Bradley will be starting in the absence of Alexander-Arnold and his team-mate Andy Robertson has been impressed with the rate of the young defender’s development, urging the youngster to keep up the good work. 

“Conor has shown he can do it at the highest level,” Robertson said in an interview with the Daily Mail. 

“There is a lot of hype around him and now it's a case of performing every single week. I tell him before every game and during training that it's all good being the new kid on the block but it comes with expectation. 

“He has dealt with it unbelievably well so far but he has to keep going. I'm trying to drill home that what makes you really good is consistency, because he's got the skill and athleticism. 

“He is a hard worker, he listens to all the other lads and he takes everything in his stride. When the youngsters came on against Luton [during the Premier League game on Wednesday], they looked excited. It reminded me of when I came on for my debut. You have no fear.”

Perfect send-off for Klopp planned

Robertson, 29, has recently come back into the Liverpool first team following a period out injured. His presence is a welcome to relief to manager Jurgen Klopp, who is reeling from the loss of multiple first-team stars at the moment. 

Klopp will leave the club at the end of the current season and the Scotland international admits his farewell provides additional motivation to his troops. 

“The fans can be emotional but we have to park it to a certain extent,” Roberson said. “Of course we want to give him a big send-off, he is the manager who has taken this club back to where it belongs. 

“It gives us extra motivation but we can't get caught up in it, which we've done really well so far. “The last game will be emotional for everyone but right now we have a job to do as players.”