Conor Bradley isn’t quite sure what his next chapter in the game will look like but believes his “vital” experience at Wanderers will stand him in good stead.
The 19-year-old was a big hit at Bolton, making the right wing-back spot his own as Ian Evatt’s men finished fifth in League One before coming up just short against Barnsley in the play-offs.
Bradley made 53 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, including the memorable 4-0 win against Plymouth in the Papa Johns Trophy final at Wembley.
He also won a trio of prizes at the club’s End of Season awards night in April. Including the prestigious Players’ Player of the Season trophy.
Reflecting on the past 12 months, Bradley told BBC Sport: "It was an unreal season, it was everything I wished for and more.
"To play that many games, that is what I wanted to go and do. It has toughened me up a bit and it was vital for me."
It was the wing-back’s first taste of playing week in, week out in men’s football and he embraced the challenge.
Bradley has urged other young players to follow in his footsteps and make the most of loan opportunities if they come along.
"To pick up a couple of awards at the end of the season was an added bonus,” he continued.
"It was a really good year and I learnt lots from it. I would tell any young player to get out and go on loan to play games."
The 19-year-old is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Kazakhstan.
Liverpool Jurgen Klopp has already revealed he will take a closer look at Bradley in pre-season before deciding if he will go back out on loan next term.
The wing-back has an open mind about the next chapter of his career and is eager to show what he can do at Melwood.
"In the summer I will go back to pre-season with Liverpool and I just have to see how that will go,” he explained.
"The future is dependant on that, but I am looking forward to getting back to Liverpool."
For now, the youngster is focused on helping his country qualify for next summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Michael O’Neill’s side have picked up three points from their opening couple of matches in Group H, having beaten San Marino 2-0 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Finland.
Bradley knows it will not be easy against the Danes but insists they head to Copenhagen with nothing to lose.
He said: "We know it will be a tough game, they are a good side who have been at the Euros and World Cup, but we will go there with no fear.”
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