Ange Postecoglou is over the moon for two Spurs youngsters who are out on loan as the pair eye creating history later this month, with the Tottenham boss expecting the duo to return to Hotspur Way this summer with much more self-belief.
Several Tottenham Hotspur youngsters have impressed out on loan across various divisions this season, but two players in particular have done as well as they could have hoped for and are hoping to have a fairytale end to the season.
Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley have not only been regulars in Leyton Orient’s starting line-up but have been among the club’s most consistent performers, playing a key role in their promotion push.
The duo will now get a chance to walk out at Wembley for the League One playoff final on May 25 as the O’s are looking to secure promotion to English football’s second tier for the first time since 1982.
Ange Postecoglou is delighted for Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley
Postecoglou admitted that he watched the second leg of Orient’s playoff semifinal against Stockport County, with the tie ending 3-3 on aggregate and Keeley emerging as the hero in the shootout.
The Tottenham boss is delighted with the experience that the pair have gained this season and is looking forward to seeing them tested in a high-stakes contest at Wembley later this month.
When asked what he thinks of the pair helping Orient reach the Playoff final, Postecoglou said (via Football.London): “Yeah, I watched the game last night, it was a cracking game and super pleased for both of them. You know, when players go on loan, obviously, the key for it is for them to get match minutes and development.
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“I think both of those guys have, but it’s even better if they’re part of something that could be special for them in terms of success. I think that helps as well in terms of their own self-belief and being part of something successful. So yeah, super pleased with them, it’ll be a great occasion and hopefully they get through.”
When asked if he can see them competing for a first-team squad next season at Tottenham, Postecoglou responded: “I think with all these things, they’re for the off-season when guys come back. Right now our focus is fairly on what’s happening in the next two weeks.”
Both Keeley and Donley could arrive at Tottenham with international experience
It is not just in club football that the Spurs duo have made strides in. The pair could both be fully capped international footballers before they return to Hotspur Way this summer.
Donley made his debut for Northern Ireland in their 1-1 draw against Switzerland in an international friendly back in March.
Keeley has now received his first senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg next month.