Tottenham youngster Jamie Donley, who is continuing to impress out on loan, has received his first senior international call-up after changing his international allegiance.
Jamie Donley was the main architect of the Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s march to the Premier League 2 title last term and the attacking midfielder has continued his rise this campaign.
In his first taste of senior football on loan at Leyton Orient, the 20-year-old has been racking up extremely consistent performances, having already managed six goals and five assists in 30 League One appearances so far.
The Tottenham academy graduate has now made a big decision regarding his international career and is set to make his senior bow.
Jamie Donley called up after changing national allegiance
Donley is eligible to play for both England and Northern Ireland, having represented England all the way from Under-15s up until the Under-19s level.
However, the attacking midfielder, who was born in Antrim, has also represented his country of birth at Under-19 level.
It emerged a couple of days ago that Jamie Donley is considering changing his allegiance to Northern Ireland in order to get a senior call-up, and that has now come to fruition.
Tottenham have now confirmed on their official website that the midfielder has earned his first senior international call-up after being drafted into the Northern Ireland squad for this month’s friendlies.
Northern Ireland are set to face Switzerland on Friday, 21 March before visiting Sweden next Tuesday, 25 March, with the Spurs man potentially in line for his senior bow.
Manager explains Jamie Donley’s selection
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has now revealed that the 20-year-old is waiting for the paperwork to be processed before linking up with the squad.
He explained that he called up Donley as he wanted the youngster to familiarise himself with the environment.
O’Neill said: “We are waiting on the relevant paperwork from FIFA to be processed before we can determine whether he plays an active role in any of the games, but having him in and around the place to familiarise himself with the place and stuff I felt was important.”
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