Belfast News Letter

Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer David Healy believes Jamie Donley “has a swagger about him” and feels he’s currently the best option available to Michael O’Neill to lead the line.

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Donley scored his second international goal in Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Wales, showing composure to slot over Karl Darlow after his initial header came back off the post.

The 21-year-old, who switched allegiance from England to Northern Ireland in March 2025, started in both matches across the past week, including Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Italy.

Donley is currently on loan at Championship club Oxford United from Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur – he joined the Us in January after an earlier stint with Stoke City didn’t work out.

Antrim-born Donley has now started Northern Ireland’s last three matches as the main striker, seeing off competition from Jamie Reid, Dion Charles, Josh Magennis and Callum Marshall.

It has been a problem position for Northern Ireland in recent years as O’Neill looks to find someone capable of replicating the goals provided by both Healy and Kyle Lafferty – the country’s top-two marksmen – during their respective international careers.

Donley is seemingly the man in possession and Healy has been impressed so far.

"I think he is (the best option) at the minute,” said Healy on BBC. “When you put into context the age of Josh, who has had a brilliant career in terms of what he has achieved, Jamie Reid, Callum Marshall, you’ve Dale Taylor and Shayne Lavery who will hopefully come again.

"In terms of quality, it looks like Jamie Donley has a swagger about him and a bit of quality.

"He can play in a 10 position, he drops in, he’s more than capable.

"One thing he probably doesn’t have in his game is the blistering pace which is needed an odd time to get in, but in terms of his quality, he’s neat and tidy on the ball, buys free-kicks, gets you up the pitch, especially away from home when you don’t see a lot of the play.”

Of current squad members, Magennis has scored 12 international goals in his 87 appearances while Isaac Price has netted 10 times after a superb start to life in Northern Ireland’s senior ranks.

Former Northern Ireland star Dallas feels the experienced Magennis can help aid Donley’s progression – and hopes the Spurs youngster will continue to improve.

"It’s a position Michael has been searching around trying to find the best solution,” said Dallas. “We have a couple on the bench in big Josh – I know the age thing with Josh, it winds him up a little bit, he thinks it’s only a number and he could still do a job at that level.

"Josh will be good for the likes of Jamie with his experience and know-how, Jamie will be able to lean on him.

"Donley has been good and showed glimpses. I go back to Thursday night, I thought he did really well in the first half, it’s a big ask when you’re playing your football in the Championship, it’s really difficult to play against top sides.

"He has shown glimpses of quality and these goals will help give him confidence. Hopefully he can be the one that takes Northern Ireland forward.”

Northern Ireland international Jamie Donley has only been at Stoke City for a week, but manager Mark Robins has already labelled the Tottenham Hotspur loanee as “class” and predicted he’ll be “a big player for us”.

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Donley marked his Stoke debut by registering an assist after coming off the bench in their 3-1 Championship win over Derby County last weekend before converting from the penalty spot as they sealed EFL shootout progression past Walsall on Tuesday evening.

The 20-year-old, who switched his international allegiance from England to Northern Ireland earlier this year, is spending the season on loan with Robins’ side after impressing for Leyton Orient in League One last term.

Donley featured for Spurs’ senior team during pre-season, starting against Luton Town before travelling with Thomas Frank’s squad to Asia where they played Arsenal and Newcastle United.

He has quickly settled into his new surroundings and Donley reminds Robins of a former Stoke favourite.

"He's class," said Robins. "Really class.

"Stoke fans will be thinking back to players that they might be able to relate him to. I know I do - he looks a lot like Charlie Adam in some of the things that he does and, if he can live up to that, then fantastic.

"He's his own man - he's Jamie Donley. Some of the things he's done in his career already have been phenomenal.

"The goal he scored against Man City last season - and I say his goal, it should be his goal because it was absolutely brilliant.

"He's bright and he's great to have. I'm delighted we've got him and he'll be a big player for us. He'll get better and better over time."

A number of Championship clubs were reportedly interested in acquiring Donley’s services for this season before he opted to join Stoke.

He will come up against international team-mate Pierce Charles in Saturday’s showdown with Sheffield Wednesday, and Donley revealed Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill helped sway him towards the Bet365 Stadium.

O’Neill spent nearly three years in charge of Stoke, winning 55 and drawing 35 of his 143 matches at the helm, before departing in August 2022.

Having previously guided Northern Ireland to Euro 2016, O’Neill returned to the top job in December 2022 and is now targeting World Cup qualification with Donley set to play a big role in hopefully achieving that feat.

“I spoke to (Michael) while I was on tour and he said how big the club is, saying it’ll be a great move for me,” said Donley. “He said similar things to a lot of other people, talking about the size of the club and what their aims and goals are for the future.

"I feel comfortable already. Getting my assist on Saturday and having that little moment definitely helps. They see what you can bring to the team and they all support you in that.”

Northern Ireland international Jamie Donley believes Stoke City’s style of play “definitely suits me” after opting to join the Championship outfit on loan from Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.

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Donley impressed during his temporary stint with League One club Leyton Orient last term, scoring eight goals and providing a further 10 assists in their run to the play-off final.

The 20-year-old had been involved with Spurs’ senior squad as they prepare for their upcoming campaign, featuring in a 2-0 win over Reading and played 90 minutes against Luton Town.

Donley was an unused substitute as Thomas Frank’s men faced off against North London rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong and once again in Seoul when Spurs took on Newcastle United in what was Heung-Min Son’s final match for the club.

A number of teams were interested in Donley, who made his senior Northern Ireland debut earlier this year after switching international allegiance from England, but Stoke was his chosen destination.

“I had a few teams after me but I decided on Stoke when the gaffer [Mark Robins] called while I was away on tour,” he told the club’s website. “The way he wants to play, both in terms of attacking and defending, definitely suits me.

“I had a chat with Ash [Phillips] too and he said it's a great club, with good people in the building and he can definitely see me contributing to the team in a positive way.

“I’ve heard a lot about the coaching staff and how the Manager improves young players. You can see that in the history he's had in working with different teams.

“I'm very much a team player; Stoke City fans can know I’ll work really hard, whether that’s defensively or making options to receive the ball to play forward.

“I enjoyed a really positive loan last year; I know about the pressure of men’s football now and how people look to you to contribute in games. I took to that pressure well and I want to carry that on here at Stoke City."

Stoke will kick off their Championship campaign on Saturday afternoon when they host Derby County at the Bet365 Stadium.

Jonathan Walters, who made 226 Premier League appearances for Stoke before taking up the role as their Sporting Director, is delighted to have fought off competition for Donley and believes he can make an impact in England’s second-tier.

“Jamie was one of the standout players in League One last season and, naturally, the number of goals and assists he produced made him a loan target for several Championship clubs this summer,” said Walters. “That he’s been involved throughout pre-season for Tottenham Hotspur speaks volumes for how highly regarded he is by their coaching staff.

“It is, meanwhile, testament to the work we have done with Ashley Phillips that Spurs believe Stoke City is the best place for Jamie to make an impact in the Championship.

“Jamie is technically talented with a clinical shooting and passing range. We are looking forward to seeing the impact he can make as a Stoke City player this season.”

Northern Ireland international Jamie Donley is reportedly set to embark on a Championship loan move after returning from Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour of Asia.

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Donley impressed during his temporary stint with League One club Leyton Orient last term, scoring eight goals and providing a further 10 assists in their run to the play-off final.

The 20-year-old has been involved with Spurs’ senior squad as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League campaign, featuring in a 2-0 win over Reading and played 90 minutes against Luton Town.

Donley was an unused substitute as Thomas Frank’s men faced off against North London rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong and has travelled onto Seoul, where they’ll take on Newcastle United in what will likely be Heung-Min Son’s final match for the club.

Despite Son’s impending Spurs departure and Mikey Moore leaving for a loan spell to Scottish giants Rangers, it appears Donley will depart to gain further senior experience.

Lilywhite Rose, an account focused on happenings in the Tottenham academy, posted on social media: “EXCL: Understand #thfc have agreed a deal with a Championship club for Jamie Donley to spend the season on loan. The deal will be finalised upon the completion of the South Korea tour.”

It’s previously been reported that West Brom, who are now managed by former Tottenham coach Ryan Mason and where ex-Northern Ireland star Chris Brunt serves as loans manager, are admirers of Donley.

Donley played under Mason at youth level, where he scored 26 goals in 40 appearances for Spurs’ U18s and registered 11 goals alongside 20 assists for the U21s.

One of his highlights from last season at Orient included a sensational strike from distance which put Richie Wellens’ side ahead in their FA Cup clash against Manchester City, leading Pep Guardiola singing Donley’s praises.

"What a goal,” he said. “Fantastic shot, the quality, the technique and the speed, the flight of the ball.

“When you concede this goal, it is just to congratulate the guy. I think it was Donley. He is an incredible left-footed player."

Born in Antrim to a Northern Irish father and English mother, Donley opted to switch international allegiance to Northern Ireland earlier this year and has since racked up three senior caps.

After his FA Cup heroics, Wellens predicted Donley had the ability to one day establish himself at Premier League level – just as he did with his team-mate Ethan Galbraith, who joined Swansea City this summer.

“Going forward Championship will be minimum for him,” Wellens said on Donley. “Unless we’re in the Championship, there’s no way we get him back next year.

“The plan for Jamie was one of two things. He comes to us, develops, grows into a man and then goes back to Tottenham and maybe gets into their first team.

“If not, then he goes to the Championship, so there is a clear development plan for him going forward.

“Spurs have been great with us, loaned us one of their best young players and we think we’ve developed him really well over the last six months.

“And if he carries on with the same attitude, the same intensity, the same work ethic and mentality, then he might be playing against City week in, week out.”

Former Larne midfielder George Marsh has completed a move to National League South outfit Dagenham & Redbridge following his Irish League departure earlier this year.

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Marsh started his career with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, making a senior debut against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup in January 2019, and went on to enjoy spells at AFC Wimbledon and AEL Limassol before arriving at the Inver Reds last summer.

The 26-year-old made six Premiership appearances and also started in Larne’s historic opening UEFA Conference League showdown against Molde in Norway – the first-ever League Phase fixture played by an Irish League club.

Injury limited Marsh’s involvement at Inver Park and he departed the two-time Premiership champions by mutual consent in February.

He has now joined Dagenham & Redbridge, who will play in England’s fifth-tier next season after suffering National League, on a two-year contract.

“I’m really pleased to add George to the squad,” manager Lee Bradbury told the club’s website. “He’s a combative midfielder who also has the ability to control things in the middle of the park. He brings some strong EFL experience to the squad.”

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Northern Ireland international Jamie Donley could be set for an opportunity at Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur under new manager Thomas Frank.

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The 20-year-old, who made his debut for Michael O’Neill’s side in March after switching allegiance from England, shone during a loan spell at League One outfit Leyton Orient last season, scoring eight times and providing 10 assists.

Donley has since returned to parent club Spurs with many expecting he’d be loaned out to a Championship club – the likes of West Brom have been linked with interest – as he continues his progression, but he could now potentially be part of Frank’s plans heading into the new campaign.

football.london have reported Spurs are currently rejecting loan offers for Donley and will reassess his situation later in the summer after working in pre-season with Frank, who has replaced Ange Postecoglou.

Donley, who was born in Antrim, made three Premier League appearances during the 2023/24 season having impressed for the club’s U21s, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists in 20 outings.

He hit the headlines last term when his long-range effort helped put Orient ahead in their FA Cup clash against Manchester City with Pep Guardiola labelling Donley as “incredible”.

While TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey believes a loan move is still the most likely option for Donley this summer, he says the potential of the Northern Ireland star being involved in Frank’s squad next term can’t be ruled out.

“There are a few youngsters who I think they will look at,” said Bailey. “The one youngster I’m hearing at Tottenham to keep an eye on is Jamie Donley.

“Although he was on late, or I think there’s a real feeling amongst some at Spurs that he could really make a step up next season. Don’t rule out him being involved in Frank’s first-team squad next season.

“Everyone thinks he’s going out on loan, and he probably will, but I’m being told don’t rule out Donley getting a look, especially in pre-season. If he does well, there might be an opportunity for him.”

Donley made his Northern Ireland debut in March’s draw with Switzerland at Windsor Park and also featured against Denmark earlier this month.

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Braiden Graham’s impressive start to life at Everton continued on Monday evening as the former Linfield teenage sensation scored four goals for their U21 side in a dramatic 5-4 Premier League Two victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

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The 17-year-old departed the Blues last summer and has already earned his first professional contract at Goodison Park following a string of impressive performances for the Toffees’ U18 side, netting seven times in 11 appearances.

Graham has since made the step up to U21 level, and his quartet – which came inside 62 minutes at Hotspur Way Training Ground and brings his tally to five in eight outings – has certainly caught the attention of Everton fans, who are all excited by his potential.

His latest showing has even resulted in some Everton supporters calling for Graham to be handed a senior debut by David Moyes in their final six Premier League matches.

One fan said: “Braiden Graham scoring 4 past Spurs. Hope we give this lad the time to develop, he's got something special.”

Jack added: “The best thing about being safe now is we can give some minutes to young lads, like Braiden Graham.

Loze posted: “Braiden Graham scoring 4 in just over an hour for the 21s, impressive that.”

Graham also created a piece of club history with EFC Statto saying: “Braiden Graham is the first #EFC player to score 4+ goals in a reserve league game since Warren Aspinall against Middlesbrough Reserves in October 1986, and the first 17-year-old to do so since Jimmy Husband against Chesterfield Reserves in September 1965.”

Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer David Healy predicted a bright future for Graham before his Linfield departure last summer and believes he has the ability to one day star on the international stage.

“I have no doubt that in four or five years’ time when I'm coming to watch Northern Ireland that, hopefully, Braiden is leading the line - that's how highly I rate him,” Healy said last April. "Our academy staff and people around need to take great credit for that with the way they've nurtured him.

"Andy Waterworth and the JD Academy over the last couple of years have given him an opportunity to train on a daily basis and he has been in our environment since he made his debut last year. He's been an absolute credit.

"There's so much development still to come, which is a good thing - he's starting to sprout up a bit and he has all the attributes in his game to go and be a good player.

"We'll wish him well in the summer when he goes and I've no doubt in the next three, four or five years that this boy has the attributes to be a really good player, without putting too much pressure on him of course."