He has his eye a long-term future at Spurs, having made four senior appearances for the North London club last season. He made his debut against Manchester City in December 2023.

The player was born in the Ulster town of Antrim but grew up in Colchester. He was scouted by Spurs while playing for Colchester Villa Youth FC. His father is from Northern Ireland while his mother is English, allowing him to represent both nations.

He represented both countries at different youth levels but then opted to play for England Under-19s, appearing to make his decision on pursuing a Three Lions career.

He scored five goals for England Under-19s and captained the side twice in just seven appearances. However, his decision to change allegiances from England to Northern Ireland was approved on March 17, which also happens to be St Patrick’s Day. That is according to the FIFA Change of Association Platform.

Donley came on the 58th minute against Switzerland in Belfast before his full debut in the heavy defeat against Sweden.

Speaking to BBC Sport last week, Donley said: “My dad’s been pestering me my whole life to play for Northern Ireland. I think it’s the right time in my career to make the change and I’m delighted I’ve done it.

Michael has been unbelievable the way he’s sorted it out. He gave me my space to make my decision. I’ve made it now and hopefully it’s the right one.”

He feels that moving up to senior international football will help him with his club career, as he continued: “I’ve been able to show the Orient fans what I’m capable of.

I think coming to play here [for Northern Ireland] will help my career and put my career to the next level. My aim obviously is to be a Tottenham player. That’s what I want to do and that’s what I want to be.

“Hopefully I can strive to do that. When I come back in pre-season hopefully I can show what I’ve been doing for Leyton Orient in training and in games.”

Spurs star Lucas Bergvall was set to feature in the game for Sweden but was forced to pull out of the squad ahead of the game due to an illness.

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