Liverpool defender Conor Bradley after representing Northern Ireland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Slovakia at Windsor Park on October 10 2025(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley helped keep Northern Ireland in contention for World Cup qualification - but has been ruled out of the pivotal showdown with Germany on Monday. Bradley posted a man-of-the-match performance as captain and had a part in the first goal as Michael O'Neill's side beat Slovakia 2-0 at home on Friday night.

The right-back, though, picked up a second-half booking that means he will be suspended for the clash against group leaders Germany at Windsor Park.

"I have watched it back and he tries to pull out," said Northern Ireland boss O'Neill. "The referee, at times, it was good he didn't want to hand out yellow cards, but if he was going to give a yellow for that he should have dished out more. Especially for the opposition.

OPINION

"We have so many good young players who love playing together. It is difficult to pick one player, but Conor does stand...