Latest news with #InternationalPersonalityoftheYear
BBC News
24-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
World Cup spot with NI would be 'special'
Conor Bradley says it would be the "things of dreams" to help Northern Ireland to a World 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 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 things 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 their stead, Michael O'Neill has relied upon 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."
Belfast Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Liverpool and Northern Ireland star wins prestigious international football award
Bradley has been named International Personality of the Year by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association after a string of impressive displays for his country. The 21 year-old earned eight caps for Northern Ireland in the last 12 months, scoring three goals. His stand-out performances helped his country earn promotion to League B of the Uefa Nations League and a likely World Cup Play-Off spot. Bradley follows in the footsteps of the likes of Steve Davis, David Healy and Jonny Evans, who have all won the Reavey Solicitors sponsored prize. The Tyrone native said: 'I am so happy and incredibly proud to win this award. It is extremely special to win an award for playing for your country. "It's been quite a journey with Northern Ireland so far, from making my debut against Malta in 2021 to scoring my first goal against Scotland last year. "I added another two against Andorra and scored against Luxembourg in the Nations League this season. "Thanks to the Football Writers who picked me for this very special award.' Last week, Burnley's Danielle Maxwell was named the Sports Direct Women's Player of the Year by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association. The NIFWA Awards 2025 will be staged at the Crowne Plaza on Sunday May 4, where Northern Ireland legends Stuart Dallas and Steven Davis will be inducted in the Juice Jar Dr Malcolm Brodie Hall of Fame. The nominations for the Men's Sports Direct Player of the Year, Belleek Pottery Manager of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Championship Player of the Year will be unveiled on Friday, with the Premiership Team of the Year announced ahead of the gala ceremony.
