Northern Ireland U17 midfielder Jamie McDonnell is relishing a “massive opportunity” at Nottingham Forest after agreeing a three year deal with the Championship club.
McDonnell, 16, who hails from Lisburn and played for Lisburn Youth before joining Glentoran two years ago, is set to travel to Forest on August 3.
The talented teen was also being chased by Celtic and West Bromwich Albion, but has plumped for the City Ground after enjoying a positive trial period before Christmas.
The Nottingham club rates McDonnell highly and the player was also impressed by how he was treated by Forest’s Academy Manager Chris McGuane.
“I spent a full week training with the Under-18s at Forest in December and was also over in February and it was the club where I felt most welcome and at home,” said Jamie.
“I really enjoyed myself when I was there and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I view it as a massive opportunity that can’t be missed. I can’t wait.
“I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I’m prepared for that. It’s a great club with a fantastic history and I’m determined to grab the opportunity with both hands.”
McDonnell, a defensive midfielder who has captained Northern Ireland at U16 level, will be joined at Forest by Linfield teenager Dale Taylor who also recently joined the Reds.
“Dale and I know each other through the Northern Ireland underage teams and the fact we will be going to Forest together will be a big help,” he said.
McDonnell, who attended Wallace High School, spent four years with Club NI where he worked under Elite Development director Jim Magilton.
“Jim Magilton oversaw everything and he was a big help,” he said. “All my coaches at Lisburn Youth, Glentoran and Club NI have been massive influences so far.”
