Bradley’s memories of Irish Cup finalists – and is he next Gerrard?

Conor Bradley, a Liverpool player, hopes his former club, the Dungannon Swifts, can claim a memorable first-place debut on Saturday after winning his first Premier League title last weekend.

Cliftonville will face the Stangmore Park outfit in Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon (14.30 BST) in the showpiece decider. The Stangmore Park outfit has never won the Irish Cup.

The 21-year-old has played under-age football for Rodney McAree’s side before and will be playing for Rodney McAree’s side at home this weekend.

Bradley, who injured for Liverpool against Tottenham on Sunday, said, “I’m really looking forward to it.”

Bradley’s appearances for the club were already limited because he had already caught Liverpool’s attention while playing for Dungannon. He continued to enjoy the experience, though.

He continued, “It was a good time there.”

“I spent 18 months or two there, and I have a lot of fond memories there. I met some really good people there.

“I adored my stay at Dungannon.” Hopefully they can win the trophy in the final and return it to Dungannon.

The Swifts’ focus on youth is once more in the spotlight as they gear up for what could be the club’s biggest day.

Former Stangmore Park manager Joe McAree and the father of Rodney McAree’s son, Rodney McAree, can still recall seeing Bradley in action for his hometown team St Patrick’s.

He said, “I went to see him one night in Omagh, and he was playing in his final two years of St. Patrick’s.”

He was a fantastic, gifted player, it was obvious.

After Bradley’s parents saw that game, the youngster didn’t immediately choose Dungannon.

Conor was unsure because Maiden City was closer to him and the distance was a long one.

Conor feels better than I do going to Maiden City, but thank you very much, the mother said in a phone call a few days later, along with other messages.

I almost nearly cried on the phone, to be honest.

Bradley’s arrival at Dungannon in just six months was a surprise to those still employed by the club.

However, McAree thinks there might be more to come.

He continued, “I still think he’s a Steven Gerrard.”