Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has hailed Liverpool teenager Conor Bradley’s impact off the bench in Sunday’s 1-0 friendly win over Estonia in Tallinn.
Bradley, who made his international debut in a 3-0 friendly win over Malta in Austria at the end of May, produced a vibrant cameo after replacing Liam Donnelly on the hour mark.
The versatile right-back volleyed narrowly wide in the 80th minute and showed his pace when he raced into the area and crossed for Shane Ferguson to rifled over near the end.
It was an eye-catching display from the 18-year-old who is a regular in Liverpool’s U23 set-up and featured for Jurgen Klopp’s first team in pre-season.
“Young Conor Bradley has only turned 18 and he’s a prospect for the future,” said Baraclough.
“To give him gametime was important and I thought he came on and gave us that enthusiasm as well as looking to go forward.
“It’s all about giving these players experience and game time so that when they’re called upon for a qualifier for instance, they know what it’s all about.
“I’m always enthusiastic about matches like this because it gives me a chance to see some young players coming off the bench.”
Baraclough was also pleased with young Leeds United midfielder Alfie McCalmont who produced a mature display in his first senior start in the midfield engine room.
McCalmont, who spent last season on loan at Oldham and is currently with League One Morecambe, was tenacious out of possession and neat and tidy on the ball.
At only 21, the Yorkshire-born playmaker, who made his debut against Luxembourg in 2019, is one of several prospects coming through the Northern Ireland ranks.
“He’s a little terrier,” said Baraclough. “He broke the play up and looks to just pass it simple. When he keeps it simple, he makes the game look very easy.
“I thought he was good in that (midfield) area tonight and he will gain from that experience.”
