Conor Bradley became the first Northern Irishman to record a Premier League assist for Liverpool during their 4-0 win over Bournemouth last week.

The 20-year-old has been tasked with filling Trent Alexander-Arnold's shoes while the England international recovers from injury and his efforts have earned the praise of departing head coach Jurgen Klopp.

Ahead of the Reds' FA Cup clash with Norwich, we take a look at the latest rising star on Merseyside.

Journey to the top

Bradley's stock has risen quickly since joining Liverpool's academy in 2019.

The flying full-back earned Klopp's trust after impressing on loan at Bolton last season and is now stepping up during a time of need for the league leaders.

He has also earned 13 caps for Northern Ireland and does not look out of place on the international stage.

With three starts in as many games across January, the 5ft 11in speedster has jumped at the chance to prove his worth and were it not for the brilliance of Alexander-Arnold, he may have nailed down a starting spot permanently.

Bradley notched 10 goal contributions for Bolton in League One last term and sparked a scramble for his services again this summer — but it was decided he was good enough to stay at Anfield.

And despite sitting out the first four months of this campaign with injury, Bradley has justified Klopp's decision to keep him around.

Klopp's assessment

Following an impressive top-flight debut, Bradley received plenty of praise from his manager.

Klopp said: "He didn't show it all the time today but he's such a good footballer and his attitude is outstanding.

"He has speed, aggression, all the things you need in that position. 

"That's a good thing about this [injury] situation that the boys get the opportunity but they have to come in when we are in a good moment, they cannot change the world for us."

Learning from the best

Bradley has the pleasure of learning from one of Europe's biggest talents in Alexander-Arnold and his progress as an attacking full-back is a testament to the example set by the No66.

He has made an exemplary start to his career at the top, keeping a clean sheet on his league debut and also registering the most shots (three) and third-most crosses attempted (four) at the Vitality Stadium.

Bradley said: "I've been wanting to do this since about five years old. I've been waiting for my Premier League debut for a while so I'm really proud."

Bradley has plenty of qualities valued by Klopp and may offer the German tactician food for thought when his first-choice right-back returns.

Alexander-Arnold has flirted with a move into midfield and this would allow Bradley to consolidate his place in the starting XI.

With a growing appetite for first-team football, Liverpool's new kid on the block has the chance to continue taking Anfield by storm against Norwich on Sunday.