Jamie Donley scored the winner for Northern Ireland against Luxembourg on Monday, with the young Tottenham star playing a slightly different position
Jamie Donley has revealed how much Harry Kane helped him during their days at Tottenham together after scoring his first goal for Northern Ireland.
The 20-year-old’s first strike for his country earned Michael O’Neill’s side a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Luxembourg on Monday. Donley struck from the penalty spot in the 44th minute at Windsor Park to settle a drab finale to the Group A campaign, having earlier seen a fine finish ruled out as Ethan Galbraith was offside.
Aside from securing a win for Northern Ireland as they look ahead to their qualifying play-off in March, Donley’s goal was an important moment personally given a frustrating lack of game time on loan at Stoke from Tottenham this season, having made only six appearances.
That did not stop O’Neill from trusting the 20-year-old Donley to make only his second international start, and first in a competitive game, on Monday and to do so in the number nine role whereas he usually operates at number 10.
Donley admitted he is still adapting to the position, but he has taken on board lessons from Kane during their time together at Tottenham, before Kane’s move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. “That’s probably why I like to try and drop deep because I’m trying to do what he does,” Donley said of Kane.
“He helped me a lot when he was around just with different types of advice and stuff. So, yes, it’s good to learn from the best.”
Although Donley is more used to deeper roles, O’Neill sees the Spurs star as a potential number nine for his country. “Michael always speaks to me about playing me as a striker,” Donley said.
“He can see me playing there, and he kind of just said to take my opportunity. Luckily, I scored. Normally, I’m behind the striker but with this, it’s more about running behind more and stretching the game. I can add that to my game, definitely.”
Like Kane, Donley represented England at several youth levels, but the Antrim-born forward switched allegiance to his father’s home country in March of this year and has not looked back, with Monday’s game his sixth cap.
“Personally, I don’t think it was a huge call,” Donley said of the switch. “Michael was on to me for a couple of years about coming over.
“I just think it was right for me and my career at that moment. I’m delighted with how young the group is and how well we’re performing at the minute. I think I’ve definitely made the right decision.”
