Tottenham star Jamie Donley has been compared to Harry Kane after netting his first senior goal for Northern Ireland on Monday.
Donley was loaned to Stoke City over the summer in the hope that he’ll continue to develop away from Hotspur Way.
The versatile attacking midfielder starred for Leyton Orient along with Josh Keeley last season, and another season-long loan seemed the most logical option at the time.
However, Tottenham are considering recalling Donley from Stoke this summer after receiving minimal minutes under head coach Mark Robins.
The 20-year-old is considered one of Spurs’ more promising youngsters, and his performance for Northern Ireland on Monday highlighted exactly why the Lilywhites cannot afford to let his talent go to waste.
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Jamie Donley nets his first international senior goal from the spot
Donley started for Northern Ireland in the 1-0 win over Luxembourg in the World Cup Qualifiers on 17 November.
Starting from the striker position, he netted from the spot in minute 44 to give Northern Ireland the lead.
The goal ended up being their only goal of the game, marking an emphatic conclusion to a difficult qualifying campaign.
Donley will no doubt be buzzing after netting his first senior international goal for Northern Ireland, but Tottenham fans remain convinced that his penalty technique resembled shades of Spurs legend Kane.
“Can definitely tell who he learnt his penalty technique from,” one fan pointed out via X on 17 November.
“He did the Kane penalty and celebration,” another said. One more added, “Donley scoring on the international stage. Proud of you J.”
Furthermore, he also impressed Northern Ireland fans who want to see him start more regularly for them moving forward.
“Donley is sort of…as much of a physical presence as any of our strikers, while being technically better than all of them,” one wrote.
Meanwhile, another said, “Seen enough to know he should be the starting striker.” One more noted, “He’s our most natural finisher.”
There is no doubt that Tottenham will be keeping an eye on his international progress as they continue to plan his future in North London.
Jamie Donley’s international performance gives Tottenham much to think about
The best word to describe Donley’s performance for Northern Ireland on Monday would be complete.
The youngster showed huge promise from a position that’s not his preferred, linking up with his teammates and holding up play efficiently.
Tottenham have had some issues up top as of late, with Dominic Solanke sidelined for Thomas Frank and Richarlison underperforming.
Not to mention Randal Kolo Muani, who recently sustained a jaw injury in Spurs’ 2-2 draw to Manchester United in the Premier League.
With Donley likely to be recalled in January, Tottenham may consider and even opt to integrate him into Frank’s squad upon his return.