Northern Ireland forward Jamie Donley moved closer to securing the Northern Ireland No.9 role after a standout performance against Luxembourg. His goal, movement, and link-up play arrived at the perfect time as Michael O’Neill continues to search for a dependable striker ahead of the 2025 World Cup play-off.
O’Neill had admitted before the international window that he remains unsure about the starting striker. He described the centre-forward spot as one area where he is “still searching for an option”. Despite being almost three years into his second tenure, the manager continues to evaluate candidates for the role most open to change.
Donley Impresses in a Crucial Audition
Donley became the third player in as many games to lead the line. The Tottenham attacker, currently on loan at Stoke City, stepped up under pressure. He converted a penalty for the winner and also saw a first-half goal ruled out for offside. His overall play made the strongest impression so far among the contenders.
O’Neill praised his contribution, calling him the “best player on the pitch” in a match that held no qualification stakes. Northern Ireland ended their Group A campaign with nine points from six games, finishing behind Germany and Slovakia.
The manager said he wanted a clear look at Donley in the central role. “I wanted to see him as a nine,” O’Neill explained. He acknowledged that the attacking position remains a concern. “Look, there’s no secret that the nine is a problem position for us. I think Jamie has different attributes maybe from some of the other strikers.”
He added that Donley’s awareness and combination play stood out: “I thought he did really well in the game. He’s clever, his link-up play is good. He is a very talented boy.”
Developing as a Modern Forward
Donley typically operates behind the main striker. That has shaped his style, but he is adapting well to a more advanced position. His work rate, willingness to run the channels, and comfort dropping deep created problems for Luxembourg. He explained the shift: “You’re the last line of attack.”
He added his perspective on adjusting to the role. “Normally I’m behind the striker. I know I’ve always got someone behind me, but it’s more about running and stretching the game.”
Donley also acknowledged O’Neill’s instructions. “I think I can add that to my game definitely because I don’t think I do enough of that. Michael says that to me a lot about running in behind because the team needs that sometimes.”
His creative instincts still remain valuable. Donley previously trained with Harry Kane, learning from the England captain during their time at Tottenham.
“He helped me a lot when he was around,” Donley said. “Just different types of advice and stuff. It’s good to learn from the best.”
Club Struggles, International Opportunity
Donley’s challenge this season has been his limited playing time at Stoke. Since September, he has managed only 37 minutes of club football. That lack of action has reduced his chances of earning more international caps. Even so, O’Neill believes Donley’s pedigree is obvious. “He just looks like that player that has been at a high level as a young player at a club like Tottenham all his days,” he said.
The manager noted that Donley has faced a difficult loan experience. “Obviously he’s still a Tottenham player at this minute in time. He’s just got himself in a situation where his loan has not gone as well as he’d hoped.”
O’Neill added that such setbacks are common. “That’s happened to many players. Many players have gone through that situation where the loan is not always a success, but they learn from that as well. He’s only 20 years of age, so he’s got it all ahead of him.”
A lack of minutes even pushed him back to the Northern Ireland U21 squad last month. But after his strong showing against Luxembourg, he suddenly looks like the leading option for March’s high-stakes play-off.
Donley knows he must earn more game time at club level to secure that starting role. “I think I need to be playing at my club to have any chance of playing in March because Michael speaks a lot about that,” he said.
He hopes his international display sends a message to Stoke. “I think [the Luxembourg showing] would have helped me if someone from Stoke was watching and seeing that I’ve got a bit of quality. I’ll go back and see what happens.”
Donley remains determined to change his fortunes. “It hasn’t gone the way that I’ve wanted it to but hopefully I can start playing and scoring and that puts me in good stead for the games in March.”
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