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Northern Ireland legend Gerry Armstrong has backed “inspirational” Conor Bradley to make a successful return to the pitch and has urged the Green and White Army to remain positive for their World Cup play-off against Italy.
Defender Bradley is set to undergo surgery on a serious knee injury after he came off injured in Liverpool’s goalless draw against Arsenal last week.
Liverpool said Bradley had “sustained a significant knee injury”, adding in a statement: “No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage of the process.”
Bradley had made 21 appearances this season, having missed a number of matches with a hamstring problem.
It is a major setback for Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying hopes as they are set to meet Italy in the play-off in March.
Armstrong, who famously scored against Spain at the 1982 World Cup, says Bradley’s unavailability is a “big blow” but believes the 22-year-old will come back a better player.
"It is a big blow for Northern Ireland in terms of World Cup qualifying,” he said.
"Conor is a key player for us and whilst it gives an opportunity for others, he’s inspirational and everyone knows what he can do.
"I would advise Conor to keep focused and get fit as soon as he’s healthy. Things can change very quickly and he’ll be progressing every week in his recovery and he will notice that.
"Conor will be getting world-class treatment at Liverpool, he’s still a young man and I’ve no doubt that he will recover quick.
"I remember breaking my ankle and was told I’d be back in six months...but I managed to return in three. Fingers-crossed Conor can return quickly as being injured in the worst thing for a footballer.”
Northern Ireland will go into the test against the Italians as major underdogs but the Green and White Army have always been capable of producing a shock.
Armstrong added: “It is going to be tough away from home.
"We have only beaten Italy once and that was in 1958 when the game was played in Belfast.
"It’s a big ask but it’s not impossible as Northern Ireland have the capability of beating anyone.
"I would urge everyone involved to stay positive as it’s 11 players vs 11 at the end of the day.”