NI ‘looking good for the future’ – Bradley
Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley says his side are “looking good for the future” before the World Cup qualifiers next year.
Michael O’Neill’s side sealed promotion to League B of the Nations League after Monday’s 2-2 draw away to Luxembourg saw them top Group C3.
And Bradley, who netted Northern Ireland’s second goal in that game, believes that winning the group after a positive campaign will breed confidence ahead of a big 2025.
“We are a really young team but we’re looking good for the future,” he told BBC Sport NI.
“Winning always helps, even drawing helps you learn. Hopefully we can keep going now, keep working hard and we’ll come back in March and do well.”
Luxembourg draw ‘massive learning curve’
Northern Ireland needed just a point at Stade de Luxembourg to win Group C3 but looked on course to pick up an impressive away win after establishing a 2-0 lead through Isaac Price and Bradley.
Two goals in three minutes from Seid Korac and Gerson Rodrigues drew Luxembourg level, but NI held on to secure promotion.
Despite his delight at topping the group, Bradley conceded that the game will be a “massive learning curve” for the young side after letting a two-goal lead slip.
“I thought we probably should have won the game but it’s nice to top the group and get promotion to League B, so I’m really happy,” added the Liverpool defender, who captained Northern Ireland in October’s Nations League games against Belarus and Bulgaria.
“They aren’t a bad side and they play some really good football. I think we did well to hold our nerve and see out the game when it went to 2-2. I’m sure we will learn from it.”
The draw to determine who Northern Ireland will face in World Cup qualifying takes place on Friday 13 December and Bradley feels his side are more than ready to compete.
“We’re looking forward to it, the World Cup qualifiers are starting so we’re really excited.
“We’re starting to gel as a team and we’re playing good football, so hopefully we can do well.”
