Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil has praised the performance of on-loan Tottenham Hotspur forward Jamie Donley for his performance against Sweden.
A young Northern Ireland side was thrashed 5-1 away in Sweden, with Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak adding to his collection of goals for the season.
Donley, who was praised by Pep Guardiola earlier this season, was one of eight players aged 21 or below who started Stockholm on what was a tough evening for O’Neil’s youthful team.
But despite the heavy defeat in World Cup qualifying, Donley still managed to impress his manager following his first start for his new nation.
Michael O’Neil ‘really liked’ Jamie Donley’s performance vs Sweden
Michael O’Neil has admitted that he ‘really liked’ Jamie Donley’s performance against Sweden and was very impressed by the 20-year-old.
The Leyton Orient loanee started up top for Northern Ireland which is different to the attacking midfield role which he has been playing for his club side.
O’Neil says that he was impressed by Donley’s ability to adapt and how he allowed him the freedom to drift around the forward areas.
Speaking after the game, O’Neil told the media: “I really liked his performance. We asked a lot of him because he doesn’t really play as a nine.
“We gave him freedom to drift from the nine. He was obviously dealing with (Isak) Hien who plays at a top level. But Jamie dealt with the physicality of the game and stayed on the ball well.
“And at times, he got us playing. It was a challenge for us trying to get out. Sweden are clever that way. Jamie was a big part of helping us get out.”
Tottenham fans hope Ange Postecoglou will give Donley chances next season and his display versus Sweden will certainly have helped his cause.
Irish media assess Jamie Donley’s performance vs Sweden
The Irish media have also been assessing the Tottenham Hotspur academy star’s first start for the national team and admitted that he had a tough evening leading the line against such strong opposition.
Belfast Telegraph gave the youngster 6/10 and wrote: “Handed his first start and asked to lead from front but only one team showed their class in final third. Dragged one low shot wide.”
Meanwhile, Belfast Live also issued him with a 6/10: “Didn’t see a lot of the ball on his full debut.”
