Conor BradleyGetty Images
Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist
Fifa World Cup qualifier: Slovakia v Northern Ireland
Venue: Kosice, Slovakia Date: Friday, 14 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer; live audio commentary on BBC Sports Extra, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds with live text commentary and in-play clips on the BBC Sport website and app
Liverpool defender Conor Bradley says it would be a dream come true to play at the 2026 World Cup with Northern Ireland.
Michael O'Neill's side are third in qualifying Group A, three points behind both Germany and Slovakia with two games remaining.
They face the latter in Kosice on Friday before rounding out their campaign at home to Luxembourg three days later, with the group winners qualifying automatically for next summer's tournament in North America and the runners-up going into March play-offs.
"It would be special to get to a major tournament with my country, it's something I dream of," said Bradley.
"We know how tough it is, and it hasn't happened much in the past, but I've full belief in this group of players.
"We've a really good team and really good young players. Hopefully we can get there."
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Bradley, one of five players in the Northern Ireland squad to feature in the Premier League this season, comes into the international window off the back of a testing week in Liverpool colours.
He excelled in keeping Vinicius Jr quiet in their 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League last week before being tasked with containing Jeremy Doku in the Premier League loss to Manchester City on Sunday.
Bradley believes such challenges have him well prepared for such key games for his country.
"Two completely different players. Obviously, Vinicius was tough because of his speed, his skill and things like that. Doku has speed and skill as well, but also he was really strong," he said.
"It's been a really difficult week, but I think playing against top players really stands you in good stead for the future especially.
"I love coming up against the best. I fully enjoyed it and hopefully it can keep me in good stead for this week coming up."
Conor BradleyGetty Images
The 22-year-old has had a consistent run in the Liverpool side under Arne Slot this season, featuring 16 times in all competitions.
While he missed the start of the campaign with a hamstring strain, he believes an injury-free run has greatly helped his form.
"Whenever you play for a club like Liverpool, there's pressure and there's eyes on you all the time. I've started to realise that over the last two years," he added.
"You've just got to try and be as consistent as you can every time you go out there and play. It's just very hard work every day and making sure you're at it and making sure you look after yourself, because the Premier League is relentless
"Obviously, last season was really disappointing. I don't think it was anything individually on me, but it was more just unlucky with [injuries]. You've just got to look after yourself in the best way possible."
Related topics
Northern Ireland Men's Football Team
Northern Ireland Sport
Football
Irish Football