Northern Ireland

Aghyaran St Davog's team mates give Conor Bradley fond send off as he signs for Liverpool FC

Conor Bradley with Aghyaran St Davog's chairman Sean Byrne as he bids the club farewell
Conor Bradley with Aghyaran St Davog's chairman Sean Byrne as he bids the club farewell Conor Bradley with Aghyaran St Davog's chairman Sean Byrne as he bids the club farewell

LIVERPOOL FC's newest signing was given an emotional send off by his Co Tyrone GAA club as the 15-year-old swaps a promising future with Red Hands for a professional career with the Reds.

There were no hard feelings from Aghyaran St Davog's towards their rising star Conor Bradley, with club chairman Sean Byrne paying tribute to a teenager who is "destined to be great".

Bradley, also Northern Ireland's U16 captain, leaves on Monday after agreeing a two-year deal with the European Champions who he has been travelling to train with at the club's Kirkby academy.

He attended his final club match on Thursday, where he saw the minor boys produce a strong performance to qualify for the next round of the championship following their victory over Brackaville in a high scoring encounter.

Afterwards there was a presentation and a formal farewell to the Omagh Christian Brothers School pupil from his clubmates.

"He's always been Liverpool, its his club," Mr Byrne said.

"He's been going over for around three years and has met all (his heroes), they integrate the young fellas into the whole set up. He's the type of lad who is not phased at all. He's very grounded."

The Aghyaran chairman said the Premiership club has gained an all-round talent.

"Conor has been with us from he was around seven years old, he's a really good player and always has been, everything about him. His attitude has always been spot on, he was always destined to be great, whatever code of sport he chose.

"He has worked very hard at his game. He's a really good land and just an excellent ambassador for any club.

"He's a role model and been excellent throughout his years here. He's only 16 so it seems strange to be saying that, but from he was no height he was a lad that would take a younger lad in training and help him out.

"Skill and speed are his game, he is lightning fast, always reads a cross, runs all day and never gives up for the team."

He officially begins with the club when he turns 16 on July 9.

Team mates from his soccer side, Dungannon United youth are also leaving for English clubs.

Sean McAllister (16) from Randalstown has joined Everton, Aaron Donnelly (16) from Magherafelt is going to Nottingham Forest and Vicky Saldanha (16) from Dungannon is going to Birmingham City.