Jamie Donley returned from the Nations League window with four appearances, two wins and plenty of credit in the bank. The one thing missing was a goal, and the 21-year-old is the first to acknowledge it.

"I'm obviously a little bit disappointed not to score," Donley said after Northern Ireland's four-game window concluded. "I think that's my aim as a striker, but I think Michael [O'Neill] likes me to link the ball up and help with the build-up play. Hopefully, I can add some goals to my game."

What Donley brings beyond the scoresheet

Donley, currently on loan at Luton Town from Tottenham Hotspur, started all four Nations League fixtures as a lone centre-forward, even though he has described his more natural position as number 10. That slight positional tension is worth keeping in mind when assessing his output.

Across 294 minutes of football, he pressed Northern Ireland up the field, created space for midfielders by dropping between the lines, and won a string of free-kicks through intelligent movement and persistence. Those are not glamorous contributions, but they are the kind that show up when a coaching staff watch the footage back.

Northern Ireland manager O'Neill is a firm admirer. "He makes us better as a team. His link-up play is better. He's an extremely clever player," said O'Neill, who persuaded Donley to switch his international allegiance from England to the country of his birth last year. "He probably hasn't had his reward in terms of chances, but Jamie is a very, very good player and he's only going to get better."

The moments that almost came off

The goalscoring opportunities were there, if frustratingly few. Against Hungary, Donley was denied twice in quick succession: first failing to connect with a through-ball from Shea Charles, then heading Ethan Galbraith's pass straight at goalkeeper Balazs Toth. Against Georgia on Monday, he was substituted before his side were awarded a penalty, which Isaac Price subsequently missed.

Northern Ireland drew both home games without scoring, and for all the structural solidity they showed during the window, a reliable goal threat from their centre-forward remains a genuine concern for O'Neill's side.

Where things stand at Luton

For Luton supporters, the more immediate question is what Donley can contribute in League One for the remainder of the season. He has managed one goal in five appearances for the Hatters this campaign, a modest return that mirrors the international picture.

His club numbers suggest a player who is deeply involved in build-up play but is not yet converting that involvement into goals at the rate his position demands. With one goal for club and two for country so far this season, he sits comfortably below the scoring benchmarks you would set for a recognised striker, but above what you might expect from a creative midfielder asked to lead the line.

The key question for Luton's coaching staff and supporters alike is whether the goals will come as Donley grows into his role. O'Neill is confident they will, and the Nations League window, for all its minor frustrations, gave Donley 294 minutes of experience operating as a lone forward in competitive football. That kind of sharpening does not always show up immediately but tends to pay off over time.

For a League One side who will need goals from across the pitch to make an impact in the second half of the season, a Donley who brings the link-up quality he showed for Northern Ireland and adds even a handful more finishes to his game would represent a significant asset. The 21-year-old knows what is expected. The next step is delivering it.

Frequently asked

Who is Jamie Donley on loan from at Luton Town?
Jamie Donley is on loan at Luton Town from Tottenham Hotspur.
How many goals has Jamie Donley scored for Luton Town this season?
Donley has scored one goal in five appearances for Luton Town so far this season.
Why did Jamie Donley switch international allegiance to Northern Ireland?
Donley was born in Northern Ireland and was persuaded by manager Michael O'Neill to switch his allegiance from England to the country of his birth last year.