Jamie Donley has recently shared the inspiration he draws from Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and outlined his aspirations to establish himself at the first-team level with Spurs. He also discussed the significant influence his father had on his decision to play for Northern Ireland.
The 20-year-old, born in Antrim, made a memorable senior international debut last Friday when he came on as a second-half substitute against Switzerland in a 1-1 draw. He nearly scored a late winner with a well-placed header, only for Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make a sharp save.
It’s been a hectic week for Donley. Just days before, the Belfast Telegraph reported that he had been called up to the Northern Ireland squad and completed his international transfer from England.
Previously, Donley had represented both Northern Ireland and England at youth level, with his most recent appearances being for the latter. However, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill reached out to Donley’s father last year, initiating a process that led to the player switching allegiances and ultimately making his debut for Northern Ireland against Switzerland. He is hopeful of earning more caps, with a potential appearance in Sweden the following Tuesday.
Donley’s family moved to England when he was young. While his dad hails from Northern Ireland, his mum is from London, and Donley joked that she wasn’t thrilled with his decision to switch to Northern Ireland, rather than continue playing for England. However, he acknowledged the support his father has given him throughout his career and the significant role he played in encouraging him to choose Northern Ireland.
“My dad’s been pestering me my whole life to play for Northern Ireland, and Michael (O’Neill) had been in touch for quite a while,” Donley said. “I felt it was the right time in my career to make the change, and I’m delighted I’ve done it. Hopefully, it’s the right decision.”
Donley also reflected on the warm reception he received from the Windsor Park crowd when he came on as a substitute. “Even going out for the warm-up, the atmosphere was amazing. The applause I got made me strive to do well for the crowd. I want to show them what I can do,” he said.
Donley nearly marked his debut with a goal when he attempted to score from a near-post corner. He explained his thought process: “I didn’t know what my role was from the corner. I just tried to get across the front, and it was a good ball that came to my head. I tried to get a small touch, but it was on target. It would have been better if it had gone in.”
He praised O’Neill for his role in the process, saying, “Michael has been unbelievable in sorting everything out. He gave me the space to make my decision. He told me that the team has lacked a goalscorer, and that’s what I try to do as an attacking player—score and create goals. Hopefully, he’ll trust me to do that for the team.”
Donley also pointed to the young, promising nature of the squad as a factor in his decision to play for Northern Ireland. “After the game, Michael said that the front six were all under 21, and we didn’t look out of place. I’m a young player too, and that makes it easier to fit in,” he explained.
Leyton Orient teammate Ethan Galbraith, who was outstanding in the match against Switzerland, has been a constant influence on Donley, encouraging him to join Northern Ireland. “Ethan told me every day in training to come play for Northern Ireland,” Donley said. “He said the lads were good, and it was a great environment, and it hasn’t disappointed.”
Donley believes his performances at Leyton Orient, including his remarkable FA Cup goal against Manchester City, have boosted his career. “It’s helped me show what I can do to the Orient fans,” he said. “Playing for Northern Ireland will definitely help take my career to the next level.”
Looking ahead, Donley hopes to make his mark with Tottenham, the club he has been with since childhood. “Next season, I’ll go back and do pre-season there. My goal is to be a Tottenham player—that’s what I want to do. I’ll try to show them what I’ve been doing for Leyton Orient in training and in games,” he shared.
The 20-year-old holds Tottenham captain Son Heung-min in high regard, admiring his professionalism and skill. “Son is my captain. I look up to him a lot. He’s an unbelievable player with plenty of years left, and I definitely look up to him,” Donley said.
When asked about his potential match-up with Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, who has impressed this season, Donley was optimistic. “Sweden are a strong team, but we’ve done well against Switzerland, and we’ll try to do the same on Tuesday,” he said. “I’m hoping to start, but if not, I’ll be ready to come on and help us win.”