Quiet man Liam Bradley has gone about his business in the Carling Premiership without fuss since switching from Irish Cup giant-killers Newington to Donegal Celtic seven years ago.

Tough in the tackle with zero tolerance in his engine-room role, Bradley is a mainstay midfielder who does not crave attention for his efforts.

Like it or loathe it, he got attention and plaudits in abundance last weekend when his fortuitous Irish Cup goal at Institute secured a fifth round replay for Celtic.

It was, according to the 30-year-old unsung hero of Celtic Park, a goal he had been wishing for.

He added: “Oddly enough, I have been taking a lot of stick from my team-mates in recent weeks about not scoring, but last Saturday when I got on the coach, I told a few of the lads I would score against Institute.

“I think I have scored four goals, maybe five, since joining Donegal Celtic. I am not allowed to cross the halfway line unless it’s for a set-piece, that’s my excuse.”

A transport worker, Bradley usually finishes his Saturday shift just a couple of hours before kick-off — after a 6am start. When the final whistle sounds, he can’t wait to get home. He said: “Work and family is everything to me and football is something do my best to enjoy while it lasts. I just like to get the job done and then go about my own business.”

Bradley’s business-like endeavour for Celtic, alongside skipper Stephen McAlorum, has seen the wee hoops contest for an unlikely top six place in the Premiership this season — Glentoran’s midweek win over Ballymena United making that aim even more unlikely now.

Celtic must win at Portadown this evening but Bradley is confident they can put a dent in Portadown’s title ambition.

He added: “We have had great away form this season and had we been better at home we would be well inside the top-six at this stage. Portadown beat us (5-2) at Shamrock Park but that result does not reflect a game that we could have won had we taken our chances.

“That’s what it is all about in this league, taking chances when they come your way. We create lots of goal opportunities but we are not scoring enough. If we hit the right notes against Portadown, there is no reason why we can’t beat them.

“No-one gave us a chance surviving in the league let alone playing for a top-six place.”