Meet the former Irish League defender who has morphed into a goal machine for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
Liam Donnelly is the soft spoken 23-year-old who has been on target eight times in eight outings for the Steelmen this season.
Northern Ireland ’s record cap holder at U21 level currently has the same goal tally as Celtic stars Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths combined.
No wonder Donnelly, who has been recalled to Michael O’Neill’s senior squad after a five year gap, chuckled when asked to reflect on his prolific season so far.
“If I go a few games without scoring now, it might be seen as a bit of a drought!” he joked after yesterday’s training session at Stormont.
“But no, I’m buzzing. It’s been a bit of a surprise, but keep them coming.
“I’ve had a few chances this season and I’ve managed to tuck them away. I’m also on penalties and I’ve scored three out of three so far.
“The goals have been an added bonus, but I’ve never been one for thinking I’m going to score.
“Now I’ve started to, I’ve maybe put a bit of pressure on myself.”
Donnelly, who began his career as an assured defender at Dungannon Swifts, has benefited from his new midfield role at Motherwell.
He endured a frustrating debut season at Fir Park after joining the club from Hartlepool United in 2018 but has shone in Stephen Robinson’s new-look engine room.
“I’ve moved positions and I’m playing slightly further forward,” he said. “I’m playing as a defensive midfielder but it’s rotated a bit, so I’ve also been able to get up the pitch.
“Last season was difficult but things are working out well. The gaffer has given me this platform now and thankfully it’s got me back into this squad.”
O’Neill recently hailed Donnelly the “best in his age group” coming through the ranks, but openly wondered where the former Fulham youngster’s career was headed a couple of seasons ago.
And five years after winning his first (and so far only) senior cap as a late substitute in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Chile in 2014, Donnelly is eager to make up for lost time.
“It was an honour to win my first cap and a great experience,” he said. “Alexis Sanchez was on the pitch that night although I didn’t get anywhere near him.
“It’s been a long wait for another senior call-up, but the squad has been doing really well so I knew I had to be patient and wait my chance.
“I knew Michael was always watching so I’m delighted to be here. I want to bring my club form here and make sure I’m back in the next squad.”
While Monday’s Euro 2020 clash with Germany looms large, tomorrow night’s friendly game with Luxembourg at Windsor Park is a chance for the likes of Donnelly to stake their claim.
“There are a lot of good players in my position, so it’s always going to be difficult to get in, but if the opportunity comes, I’ll try to grab it with both hands,” he said.
“If I get a chance against Luxembourg then hopefully I can do enough to give myself a chance for the Germany game, but that is something we’ll all be looking to do.”
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