Belfast Telegraph

The attack-minded midfielder is currently on loan at League One side Leyton Orient from Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20 year-old has scored eight league goals in 30 appearances for the Os this term, producing a string of eye-catching display.

West Brom have made a modest £1.5m bid for the Antrim native, in an attempt to prize him away from Spurs where he still has two years left on his current contract. Alternatively, Donley could join the Hawthorns club on a season-long loan deal.

If the Baggies are successful, Donley will link-up with international teammate Isaac Price.

Donley switched his allegiance from England to Northern Ireland in March, just days before making his senior debut against Switzerland at Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland defender keen to sign new deal at Football League club

The 20-year-old Antrim born Spurs player received a warm welcome from the Windsor Park crowd on Friday coming on for his senior international debut as a second half substitute against Switzerland in the 1-1 draw, almost winning the friendly late on with a smart header only for visiting goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make a sharp save.

It’s been a whirlwind week for Donley. Last Sunday the Belfast Telegraph revealed he had been called into the Northern Ireland squad and had started his international transfer from England.

Donley had previously played for both Northern Ireland and England at youth level with his most recent appearances for the latter – then Michael O’Neill phoned his dad last year and so began a process that led to the attacker completing his FIFA international transfer and coming on for the country of his birth versus the Swiss with hopefully a second cap to come on Tuesday in Sweden.

The Donley family moved to England when Jamie was young. His dad is from Northern Ireland and his mum is from London and he joked that she was ‘not happy’ at him switching from the Three Lions to the Green and White Army.

“My dad's been pestering me my whole life to play for Northern Ireland and Michael (O’Neill) was in touch for quite a while about coming over and playing for him,” explained Donley.

“I think it's the right time in my career to make the change and I'm delighted I've done it. Hopefully it's the right decision.

“My mum's not happy with me playing for these but all the stuff my dad's done for me, I think I'll go with him on this one.

“He supports Tottenham so he always used to fly over from here to support them and he's been to many Northern Ireland games as well.

“My Dad helps me a lot and we obviously have conversations about what he thinks is best for me and my career.

“Dad couldn't make the game against Switzerland as he's on holiday which I'm disappointed about but he's flying out to Sweden and hopefully I'll get some minutes out there.

“I was delighted to play on Friday. To make my debut is a really proud moment for me and my family.

“Once I knew I was coming over, that was my aim, to play for Northern Ireland and hopefully I can get many more caps.”

On the crowd reaction to his arrival, Donley, who has impressed on loan at Leyton Orient this season, said: “Even going out for the warm-up, the atmosphere was amazing. The applause I got made me strive to do well for the crowd. I want to show them what I can do.”

And on almost scoring from a near post corner on his debut: “I didn't know what my role was from the corner. I thought let me just get across the front here. It was a good ball and I knew it was coming to my head. I had to try and get the smallest of touches. It was on target, obviously it would have been better had it gone in.”

Paying tribute to O’Neill on the role he played in the international transfer, Donley said: “Michael has been unbelievable the way he's sorted it out. He gave me my space to make my decision.

“Michael said they've lacked that a little bit - a goalscorer, someone who can create and score goals. I try to score and create goals. That's my job as an attacking player. Hopefully he can put his trust in me to do that for the team.”

Asked if there was anything along with his dad and O’Neill that swung it for him to declare for Northern Ireland, Donley responded: “How young and promising the group is. Michael said in the changing room after the (Swiss) game that the front six were all below 21 and we didn't look out of place. I'm a young player as well and that helps me to fit in.”

It’s evident that Leyton Orient team-mate Ethan Galbraith, excellent against Switzerland, was in Donley’s ear about the move.

“I thought Ethan was one of the best players on Friday night. I get on really well with him. He told me every day in training to come play for Northern Ireland. He said the lads were good and that it was a great environment and it hasn't disappointed, really.”

Donley adds that the incredible skill he showed that led to a goal for Leyton Orient in the FA Cup against Manchester City in February “definitely helped with my career. I've been able to show the Orient fans what I'm capable of. I think coming to play here for Northern Ireland will help my career and put my career to the next level.”

That next level may be with Tottenham who Donley has been with since he was a kid, making his Premier League debut for them as a late substitute in 2023.

“Next season I'll go back and do pre-season there,” he said.

“My aim obviously is to be a Tottenham player. That's what I want to do and that's what I want to be.

“Hopefully I can strive to do that. When I come back in pre-season hopefully I can show what I've been doing for Leyton Orient in training and in games.”

The 20-year-old keeps a close eye on all things Spurs and has huge admiration for experienced fan favourite Son.

“That's my captain. I look up to him. He's an unbelievable player and professional. He's got loads of years left. I definitely look up to him,” said Donley.

On Tuesday in Sweden, Donley could come face to face with Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall who he says has been ‘unbelievable this season’.

He said: “Sweden are a big nation but we've done well against Switzerland and we'll try and do the same on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll get the start and if not I'll be ready to come on and hopefully we can beat them.”

‘It was off the cuff’: Northern Ireland’s goalscoring hero on his Windsor Park wonderstrike

The Belfast Telegraph understands that the process for Donley’s international transfer from England to Northern Ireland has begun.

The stunning development surrounding highly rated attacker Donley is a boost for Northern Ireland and a coup for manager Michael O’Neill ahead of the first international in 2025 in what is a huge year for the country with World Cup qualifiers taking place from September to November.

Last week it was revealed that Donley, who is on loan at Leyton Orient, was seriously considering switching international allegiance. Now that move is underway with the Irish FA expected to submit the details to FIFA this week.

FIFA control the speed in which the paperw

ork is processed but because Friday’s game at home to Switzerland and next Tuesday’s match in Sweden are friendlies, sources suggest Donley can feature in them hence his inclusion in the squad.

Antrim born Donley had previously played for both Northern Ireland and England at youth level but his most recent international action was for the latter at Under-19 level.

It is believed that O’Neill has been working behind the scenes on the switch for some time with the player whose dad is from Northern Ireland and his mum is from England.

Last week O’Neill named Ronan Hale in his squad for the first time for this month’s friendlies at home to Switzerland and away to Sweden after the Ross County striker made an international transfer having previously represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 level.

O’Neill was key to Hale coming on board and Donley’s call to play for Northern Ireland will be another feather in the cap of the man who led the country to the Euro 2016 finals.

Donley made his Premier League debut for Spurs as a late substitute against Manchester City in December 2023. This season he has been impressing in League One with Leyton Orient and was the architect behind one of the FA Cup’s most memorable goals in 2025.

Playing at home to Premier League champions City in the fourth round of the competition in February, Donley showed vision to see goalkeeper Stefan Ortega off his line and then produced a stunning 50 yard chip that sailed over the German and struck the bar before hitting Ortega and going into the net.

It went down as an own goal but everyone inside the stadium knew it was Donley’s magic that put Leyton Orient ahead with Pep Guardiola’s team eventually coming back to win 2-1.

On the day Donley excelled for Leyton Orient as did Northern Ireland international Ethan Galbraith.

Many Tottenham supporters are excited by the potential of Donley hoping he will return to their club next season and make a positive impression.

Donley’s family moved to England when he was young. He shone with the Colchester Villa Youth Academy before joining the Tottenham youth ranks when he was eight years old.

He has come through the ranks for the London giants playing for their underage teams and signed his first professional contract in 2022. Since then he has extended his deal with Spurs until 2029 and made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Manchester City in December 2023.

This season he has enjoyed a loan spell at Leyton Orient winning an EFL Young Player of the Month award in the process.

Leyton Orient announced on Saturday that their game against Mansfield on March 22 had been called off due to international call-ups with Donley and Galbraith both in the Northern Ireland squad.

Speaking to the club’s social media channels on Donley's call-up, Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens said: “I’m really pleased for him. He deserves it. He’s been outstanding. Hopefully he will benefit from the experience of international players and playing with good players.”

Tottenham’s Jamie Donley is said to be ‘giving serious consideration to switching international allegiance' from England to Northern Ireland.

The highly rated attacker, currently on loan with Leyton Orient, has played for England at youth level but it now appears he is thinking about making a transfer to the country of his birth.

The 17-year-old unleashed a thunderous volley in the fourth minute of their Semi-Final clash with Derby County that fizzed into the back of the net for what would prove to be the game-winner, going on to win 5-0.

It is the latest impressive moment from Feeney, who recently signed his first professional deal with Spurs after joining from Glentoran last summer.

The son of former Northern Ireland striker Warren, the teenager has been ever-present in the Spurs Under-18s line-up, scoring two goals in 14 appearances having been shifted from striker to midfield.

He is considered a bright prospect at Spurs, who will hope that his recently signed professional deal can give the teenager the belief to go to the next level.

Tottenham beat a host of top flight English clubs including Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton to Feeney’s signature and since moving across the water the ex-Ashfield Boys student has trained with Ange Postecoglou’s first team squad, which he viewed as a fantastic learning experience.

In October last year the Belfast Telegraph revealed that Feeney had decided his international future lay with Northern Ireland, ending a tug-of-war with Wales for his services having previously represented both nations.

Senior team boss Michael O’Neill and Under-19 manager Gareth McAuley had conversations with Feeney which were key to the promising youngster opting for Northern Ireland.

Following those talks and discussions with his family, Feeney made the call to wear a green shirt moving forward rather than the red of Wales where he was born.

While his ambition at club level is to progress towards the Tottenham first team squad, Feeney’s international dream is to feature for the senior Northern Ireland side in the future. Should that happen he would create history by becoming the fourth generation in the Feeney family to do so.

Feeney’s dad Warren, a former Linfield and Glentoran manager, won 46 caps and scored five international goals and enjoyed a lengthy playing career across the water, while George’s grandad Warren Sr played for Northern Ireland in 1976 as a Glentoran player and George’s great grandfather Jimmy played twice for Ireland before the IFA/FAI divide.

The youngster made his first team debut for Glentoran last season at the age of 15 when his dad was manager at The Oval, coming off the bench in a County Antrim Shield penalty shoot-out success over Crusaders.

Shortly after that he made his League debut as a substitute against Newry City and a month later Feeney became the youngest goal scorer ever for Glentoran with a fine finish in a BetMcLean Cup triumph versus Dollingstown.

He went on to become a regular in the first team squad before his move to Tottenham.

Tottenham teenager George Feeney has decided that his international future lies with Northern Ireland ending the tug-of-war with Wales for his services.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that senior team boss Michael O’Neill and Under-19 manager Gareth McAuley had conversations with the 16-year-old which were key to the promising youngster opting for Northern Ireland.

Tottenham's George Feeney has been called into the Wales Under-17 squad for two friendlies in the latest twist in the tug-of-war with Northern Ireland for his services.

The Welsh FA and Spurs announced that the highly-rated 16-year-old was named in the Wales Under-17 panel for games in Spain against Gibraltar on Wednesday and Qatar on Friday, with the fixtures arranged to aid the team’s preparation for Euro qualifiers in November.

Teenage striker George Feeney has been counting down the days to officially becoming a Tottenham player, determined and excited to show the coaches at the north London club what he can do.

Now the highly promising 16-year-old will have the chance after completing a long-term deal with Spurs which will see Glentoran receive a down payment with a number of potential add-ons in the future.

Teenage striker George Feeney has been counting down the days to officially becoming a Tottenham player, determined and excited to show the coaches at the north London club what he can do.

Now the highly promising 16-year-old will have the chance after completing a long-term deal with Spurs which will see Glentoran receive a down payment with a number of potential add-ons in the future.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed in May that Tottenham had won the race to sign the highly rated 16-year-old and the deal has now been made official.

Glentoran will receive a substantial fee and potential add-ons as part of the transfer that is a stunning opportunity for the son of former Northern Ireland international and ex-Glens boss Warren Feeney.

Feeney was also a target for a host of top flight English clubs including Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton and Sheffield United but Spurs have got their target.

The talented teenager is relishing this huge step in his promising career as he aims to kick on in north London.

“I chose Tottenham because they produce their players right, they play them up into the 21s and first team, the coaching staff are very good, they are a big club and I felt all of that was important,” Feeney told the Belfast Telegraph.

“Since we made the decision to join Tottenham, I’ve been wanting the days to go quicker and quicker so I could get over and get going.

“Now we are here. When I was a kid I dreamt of moments like this. I am determined to work hard and show everyone what I can do. I plan to run in behind as much as I can and score as many goals as I can and help the team.

“I want to try to get up to the 21s as quickly as possible. It will be tough but I will work hard to try and do it. I want to play for the Spurs first team. It’s a big club, it’s a big Premier League team with a great history and they have given me this chance and I want to play for them in the Premier League."

Glentoran have backed the teenager to thrive in London, with a spokesperson saying: “George is an exceptionally talented centre forward and we are immensely proud he has made the move to Tottenham.

“When George joined the Glentoran Academy at the age of 12 he was always one the most creative and skilful players amongst his peers. He quickly became noticed and successfully stepped up to the senior side because of his incredible skill on the ball and physical abilities.

“The family of Glentoran fans, players, staff and friends wish George all the best as he takes his next steps challenging for a place in the Premier League, the world’s greatest.

“We will miss you George, we know you can do it!”

Since debuting as a 15-year-old last September when his dad was manager, he has won plenty of admirers at the BetMcLean Oval.

He went on to became the youngest goalscorer ever for the club with a fine finish in a BetMcLean Cup triumph versus Dollingstown.

The Glentoran academy graduate scored one goal in his ten appearances for the east Belfast side.

Young Feeney has represented both Northern Ireland and Wales as he considers his international future.

His dad Warren won 46 caps, scored five international goals and enjoyed a lengthy playing career across the water before moving into management, while George’s grandad Warren Senior played for Northern Ireland in 1976 as a Glentoran player and George’s great grandfather Jimmy played twice for Ireland before the IFA/FAI divide.