Conor Bradley says it would be the “thing of dreams” to help Northern Ireland to a World Cup.
The 21-year-old, who could earn a Premier League winners’ medal with Liverpool this weekend, has become a key figure for Michael O’Neill’s side and served as captain on two occasions during last year’s Nations League.
While he missed the most recent friendly games against Switzerland and Sweden last month, he will be expected to play a huge role in the side’s efforts to become the fourth Northern Ireland side to reach the World Cup when qualifying for the 2026 tournament begins in September.
“That’s everyone’s dream,” said Bradley, who has been named International Personality of the Year by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association.
“We know how difficult it is because not many Northern Ireland teams have done it, we know how special it would be.
“It would be unbelievable, the thing of dreams. Hopefully one day we can get there and if we keep working hard, I’m pretty sure we can.”
Northern Ireland have lost the likes of Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Jonny Evans to retirement, the latter solely in the case of international football, since their last attempt to qualify for a World Cup.
In their stead, O’Neill has relied on younger players like Bradley, Shea Charles, Isaac Price and Trai Hume.
“We’ve got potential but we need to fulfil that,” Bradley added.
“Obviously we’re still really young as it is, we’ve lost a lot of experience.
“We have to keep getting experience together and keep improving together, hopefully there’ll be good things around the corner.”
