Why Jamie Donley’s latest Northern Ireland display raises big doubts over Tottenham role

Tottenham figures will have been watching Jamie Donley's display in Northern Ireland's 0-0 draw with Hungary closely.

The Spurs talent has been given the chance to lead the line for his country, something that has not happened at club level.

Donley has been sent to Luton Town on loan, where he has notched one goal and one assist in five League One matches.

There are high hopes for the 21-year-old at Hotspur Way, but he has only made four appearances for the N17 club so far.

He can play in a couple of positions, with attacking midfielder and the striker roles being the ones he will be eyeing with the Lilywhites.

However, his latest showing on the international stage in the UEFA Nations League will hand Roberto De Zerbi little faith that he can step up.

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Donley started the contest at Windsor Park as the number nine, and played 70 minutes, and his showing raises big doubts about his future.

However, he only managed 12 touches in the clash, with two coming in the opposition box, per FotMob data.

Donley managed two shots, with one on target and the other being blocked.

He only completed three of five pass attempts, for a 60 per cent success rate for his country.

In terms of duels, he won two of three on the ground and one of three in the air, for 67 and 33 per cent success rates in those areas.

That data does not inspire confidence that he can be an option in the future for Spurs.

Why Donley faces a difficult task anyway

Donley faces a tough path to the first-team, as in his preferred attacking midfielder role, De Zerbi already has plenty of talent.

The likes of James Maddison, Mateus Fernandes and Xavi Simons are all fighting for the number 10 spot when they are fit.

Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush are the potential number nines for De Zerbi to chose from, and despite their underperformance, they are better than Donley.

Therefore, he needs to step up on national duty and give De Zerbi something to think about, and he failed on this opportunity.

The questions about his role and suitability for the senior squad will continue, the longer he does not perform on the international level.