Donnelly dreams of next cap
LIAM DONNELLY hopes he can cap his rise at Kilmarnock with another Northern Ireland cap.
The Rugby Park star is playing a huge role as Derek Mcinnes’ men hunt a top-six finish and also a place in Europe.
Donnelly’s impressive work could also see him back on the park for his country after a 20-month exile.
The midfielder would love to make Michael O’neill’s (below) squad for next month’s matches in Romania and against Scotland at Hampden.
Donnelly hasn’t played for Northern Ireland since joining Killie and said: “It’d be nice to get one under my belt when I’m here and get back on the pitch.
“It’s always in the back of your mind. You know if you get a good run of games and a few good performances, there could be a chance of getting back in.
“It’s always a massive drive for any player to get involved with your national team.”
Donnelly reckons his nation is on the up and added: “There was a really big high when we got to the Euros under Michael but then we went through a period of transition.
“We’ve come through that now and a lot of those guys will go on to have long international careers so it’s an exciting time.”
Donnelly could be reaping the rewards of a huge call on surgery earlier in his career that led to him barely playing in 17 months.
He said: “Part of the reason I was out so long was down to the extent of surgery I allowed the surgeon to do.
“I could’ve been back quicker if I’d agreed to have a lesser operation but I felt I was young enough that I could cope being out longer if the operation strengthened my knee.
“My thinking was that I’d reap the benefit towards the end of my career.”