Liverpool defender Conor Bradley is morning the death of his father Joe, who has died at the age of 58.
Mr Bradley passed away at home in Tyrone in Northern Ireland on Saturday morning. He is understood to have been suffering from illness for some time.
The news emerged just three days after his son had continued an outstanding start to his Premier League career with Liverpool by posting a man-of-the-match display when scoring his debut Reds goal in the 4-1 defeat of Chelsea at Anfield.
The 20-year-old had become the first Northern Irish player to play for the Reds in a league game in almost 70 years when featuring in the 4-0 win at Bournemouth last month.
The right-back was thrust into the first team due to an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his two assists against Chelsea moving him on to five in his last five outings.
Bradley had this week been preparing for Liverpool’s Premier League game at fellow title contenders Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds will most likely leave the decision up to the player over whether he wants to remain involved for the game at the Emirates.
A statement from Liverpool said: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the death of Conor Bradley’s father, Joe, today. The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Conor and all of the Bradley family at this very difficult and sad time.
“On behalf of Conor, LFC strongly urges that the family’s privacy is fully respected at this time.”
