Northern Ireland football: Trai Hume says arrival of Jamie Donley and Ronan Hale proof of something special

Preparation for Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers this autumn is up and running with friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden giving O’Neill a chance to assess fresh talent.

Among them are dynamic finishers Donley and Hale who have shown their commitment to play for Northern Ireland.

Tottenham forward Donley, who has impressed during a loan spell at League One side Leyton Orient, previously played for Northern Ireland at youth level before switching allegiance to England.

The Antrim-born player has now been handed a first Northern Ireland senior call-up and he’s eligible to play in the games after Fifa confirmed that the relevant paperwork has now been completed.

There’s also a first call-up to the Northern Ireland set-up for Ross County striker Hale, who previously played for the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 level.

The 26-year-old former Cliftonville and Larne forward has shone at the Dingwall club since switching to the Scottish Premiership from the NIFL Premiership at the start of this season, scoring 12 League and Cup goals for the Staggies to date.

Sunderland defender Hume feels the duo’s commitment to play for O’Neill’s side underlines the growing potential and belief of this Northern Ireland team.

“It’s a chance for them to prove themselves and show their quality at international level,” said the former Linfield favourite who has donned the captain’s armband for his country.

“For us, it’s a credit to us as a team that they want to come in and be a part of this.

“They want to get themselves international caps with us and it’s a credit to us as a team and staff that they can see we are trying to progress and move this team forward.

“In the last few days in training they have been excellent and training hard.

“Hopefully they can get a chance to impress the fans and gaffer in the upcoming games.”

Donley played for England and Northern Ireland up to Under-19 level.

He played for the Spurs first team on three occasions last season.

During his loan spell with Leyton Orient this season he has netted six goals and provided six assists in 27 appearances.

“I played against Ronan before in the Irish League when he was with Larne,” added Hume who hopes to win his 20th cap during this double header.

“I know the quality he has and he has gone to Ross County and scored goals.

“It is the same with Jamie on loan at Leyton Orient.

“He is scoring goals as well and credit to them, they both deserved to be called up and they certainly don’t look out of place.

“Hopefully Michael can give them a chance and they can show how good they are.”

Northern Ireland will face Switzerland at Windsor Park on Friday night before taking on Sweden in a friendly at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on Tuesday.

Both games, and a further two friendlies in June, will help O’Neill, his coaching staff and players prepare for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers this autumn.

Northern Ireland earned promotion after topping League C Group Three in the Nations League.

Last year was a thrilling ride for the Green and White Army with Hume, Conor Bradley, Isaac Price, Shea Charles, Brodie Spencer and Daniel Ballard standout figures.

This talented and vibrant side has already produced some magical performances and they are convinced the best is yet to come.

As Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Jonny Evans left the stage, the young guns have offered a glimpse into an exciting future.

Hume added: “From the first time that I came in we were losing games 1-0 and there was inexperience as we struggled to get games over the line.

“In the Nations League we showed greater experience during the games that helped us get results over the line.

“These games will be of a higher level and we will need to draw on that experience with the young players bringing a freshness and energy.

“We will need youth and experience and we must be ready as the challenges get tougher.

“Players have got used to each other and the challenges of back to back games.

“The squad understands each other better now and things clicked in the Nations League.

“The younger lads will have played together in the underage groups and when they have come into the senior squad they already have that understanding and relationship.

“There is team bonding on and off the pitch and experience makes you stronger.”

These next two tests may be friendlies but Hume doesn’t do friendly fire.

“We have two games here which are friendlies but you have to treat them like international matches that have meaning,” said the versatile defender.

“It is a chance to show our quality, our level and how we have improved in the last 18 months.

“These are tough tests and Switzerland are a top nation which are a step up for us but we will see how we compare.”

There may be a strong bond and togetherness in the Northern Ireland camp but Hume still views it as very different to the demands of the club environment.

“It’s definitely different than a club environment where you are seeing each other every day,” he said.

“Things can get repetitive but it has always been enjoyable for me coming away.

“I look forward to getting away with the squad, it’s exciting and I have known boys for a long time.

“It’s like meeting up with your mates who are really good at football.”