Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has made no secret of his ongoing search for a reliable number nine—an issue that has persisted throughout his second spell in charge. But after a standout performance against Luxembourg, Jamie Donley may have taken a major step toward finally solving the national team’s most talked-about “problem position”.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward, currently on loan at Stoke City, scored his first senior international goal from the penalty spot on Monday night. He also saw another effort ruled out for offside, but still produced the most convincing display yet from any striker competing for that coveted spot.

A Position Still Up for Grabs in O’Neill’s XI

Four months before a crucial World Cup play-off semi-final, O’Neill appears settled on most of his starting XI—except up front. The Northern Ireland manager previously admitted he was “still searching for an option” at centre-forward and hoped a player would “really step up”.

Donley may have done exactly that. In a match that held no bearing on qualification standings, O’Neill said the young forward was the “best player on the pitch” as Northern Ireland sealed a 1-0 win to conclude their Group A campaign with nine points from six matches.

Donley Brings a Different Profile to the Number Nine Role

Traditionally used as a deeper-lying playmaker or No.10, Donley does not possess the imposing physicality associated with some traditional strikers. However, his intelligent movement, link-up play, and willingness to run the channels gave O’Neill something new to think about.

“You’re the last line of attack,” Donley said when discussing the transition to playing as a lone striker.
“Normally I’m behind the striker… but it’s more about running and stretching the game. I think I can definitely add that to my game.”

O’Neill echoed those sentiments, praising the 20-year-old’s creativity and awareness:
“He’s clever, his link-up play is good. He is a very talented boy.”

Learning From One of the Best: The Harry Kane Influence

One of the most intriguing aspects of Donley’s development is his exposure to elite coaching and training environments at Tottenham. The forward has spent time working alongside Harry Kane, now at Bayern Munich, and credits the England captain for influencing his game.

“He helped me a lot when he was around,” Donley said of Spurs’ all-time top scorer. “It’s good to learn from the best.”

Kane himself took time before breaking through at Spurs, enduring multiple loan spells—something Donley relates to as he navigates the challenges of senior football.

Loan Struggles at Stoke Impacting His Minutes

Despite a successful period at Leyton Orient last season, Donley’s loan to Stoke City has been far more difficult. Since early September, he has logged only 37 minutes of club football. That lack of playing time has affected his national-team prospects, with Donley dropping back to the Northern Ireland Under-21s as recently as last month.

O’Neill, however, believes Donley has been “unlucky” not to have more senior caps already, and says his Premier League pedigree shows whenever he’s on the pitch.

“He just looks like a player who has been at a high level as a young player at a club like Tottenham,” said O’Neill. “Many players have tough loan spells. He’s only 20—he’s got it all ahead of him.”

Born in Northern Ireland, Raised in England – A Significant Commitment

Donley, who was born in Northern Ireland but raised in England, represented both countries at youth level before O’Neill secured his commitment to the senior Northern Ireland squad in March. Monday’s match marked his first start since that initial international window.

His decision to wear the green jersey is already paying off, and his latest performance has placed him firmly in pole position to start in March’s high-pressure play-off.

A Crucial Few Months Ahead

Both player and manager agree on one key point: Donley must be playing regularly at club level if he is to keep the number nine shirt for the play-offs.

“I need to be playing at my club to have any chance,” Donley admitted. “Hopefully I can start playing and scoring, and that puts me in a good position for March.”

O’Neill is optimistic that Donley’s situation will improve, and if it does, Northern Ireland may finally have the striker they’ve been seeking for years.