Jamie Carson McDonnell (born 16 February 2004) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for EFL League One club Oxford United.
Club career Born in Lisburn, McDonnell began his career with Lisburn Youth and Glentoran, before signing for Nottingham Forest in July 2020, where he turned professional in February 2021 after turning 17. After captaining their under-18 team, he agreed a new contract with Forest in December 2022.
McDonnell signed on loan for Colchester United in August 2024.
On 18 July 2025, McDonnell joined Mansfield Town on a season-long loan. He was one of three Nottingham Forest youth players to sign for Mansfield, alongside Joe Gardner and Kyle McAdam.
On 18 January 2026, McDonnell signed for Oxford United on a "long term contract" for an undisclosed fee. The move resulted in a six-figure "windfall" for former club Glentoran. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 away victory at Leicester City on 5 September 2026.
International career McDonell is a Northern Ireland under-17 youth international.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsNottingham Forest2024–25Premier League00000000002025–26Premier League0000000000Total0000000000Colchester United (loan)2024–25League Two321100040371Mansfield Town (loan)2025–26League One192302010252Oxford United2025–26Championship1101000001202026–27League One6100100071Total171101000191Career total684503050814
References