Speaking to the press ahead of the weekend’s action, Ange Postecoglou was asked why Jamie Donley hasn’t featured more yet and insisted the player has to force his way into the lineup.
Given Tottenham’s severe injury crisis, it’s not surprising that Ange Postecoglou has been filling his bench with some of the best and brightest young talent the club has to offer.
Jamie Donley is one of those players, and the youngster even made his Spurs debut as a late substitute in the recent draw against Manchester City.
Many fans are keen to see more of the promising 18-year-old, but Postecoglou is clearly keen not to rush Donley’s progress.
It is believed there have been discussions around Donley’s future, and whether a loan move away from the club in January might be beneficial for his development (TEAMtalk).
However, Under-18s coach, Stuart Lewis, has told Spurs Play that Donley is indeed ready for the first team.
Why hasn’t Jamie Donley played more?
Now, Postecoglou has again commented on Donley’s status within his squad and revealed what the player needs to do to get more minutes.
He told Football.London: “He’s in the squad and working with us and all of these decisions are made with the information I have. The players have the chance to show me what they can do and make me make a decision.
“If I haven’t made that decision it’s because they haven’t made me make it yet but that’s not to say that won’t change next week or the one after. Jamie is developing and he’s working with the first team.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It’s important not to put too much pressure on a youngster like Donley, and I am sure it’s just a great experience for him to even be in and around the first team, and on the bench. I’d love to see him get some more game time soon but understand why Postecoglou hasn’t used him more yet.
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