Tottenham make announcement after major Jamie Donley U-Turn
Tottenham youngster Jamie Donley has been enjoying a loan spell with League One outfit Leyton Orient and now has a further chance to catch the eye.
The 20-year-old has notched six goals and five assists in the third tier this term, helping fire Orient to within five points of the play-off spots, so they could have a chance of competing for a place in next season’s Championship.
Donley’s exploits in Orient colours particularly caught the eye when he struck a magnificent long-range effort in the FA Cup fourth round against Manchester City, but it was eventually credited as a Stefan Ortega own goal after it hit the City goalkeeper on its way in.
The attacker made three Premier League appearances for Spurs last season ahead of his loan move, and will hope to compete for a spot in the Tottenham senior team as soon as next campaign.
Donley receives late call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad
The Spurs starlet had previously turned out for England at youth level, having represented the Three Lions from Under-16s to Under-19s level.
| Jamie Donley stats | League One 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
But he has made a major U-turn regarding his international allegiance, after Northern Ireland confirmed on Tuesday (18 March) he has been named in their squad for their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden, having not initially received a call-up when the squad was first named.
The official Spurs academy X account shared the club’s delight with Donley’s latest achievement and posted: “A first senior call up for Northern Ireland for Jamie Donley.
“Congratulations Jamie!”
Northern Ireland call-up gives Donley a chance to shine
While Donley has previously plied his trade for Northern Ireland at youth level, his inclusion in their senior squad comes as a surprise after he played for England U19s in 2024.
But his involvement in senior international fixtures with Switzerland and Sweden, who are both renowned nations in the European game, offers him a chance to shine on a stage which he has not been afforded while playing for Orient in League One this term.
If Donley manages to produce the goods at senior international level against Switzerland on 21 March and Sweden on 25 March, he will enhance his credentials ahead of next term, and could consequently enjoy game time for Tottenham during the 2025/26 season.
Somewhat surprisingly, the man on loan from Spurs has not scored for Orient since bagging the winner against promotion chasers Wrexham on 18 February, while a goal for Northern Ireland would represent a major turning point in his career.