Donley keen to add goals after encouraging NI run

What the report says

Northern Ireland’s recent Nations League window brought signs of progress, but BBC Sport says a lingering issue was their lack of goals. Tottenham Hotspur forward Jamie Donley, who is on loan at Luton Town, played as a lone striker in all four matches even though he has said he prefers a deeper No. 10 role.

The 21-year-old helped Northern Ireland move up the pitch and link play, but he did not score in 294 minutes across the four games. Northern Ireland won twice but were held to two goalless home draws, leaving questions about whether they have enough cutting edge in attack. Donley had chances in the draw against Hungary and was limited for opportunities in the match against Georgia.

Donley said he had enjoyed the run of games, but acknowledged disappointment at not adding to his international tally. He said his main task in the role is to link play and contribute to the build-up, while hoping to bring more goals to his game.

Manager Michael O’Neill continues to back him, saying Donley improves the team through his movement and intelligence. More broadly, the report notes Northern Ireland have been searching for a consistent out-and-out striker for some time, with Isaac Price still their biggest goal threat from a wider position.