How many caps did Alan McDonald win for Northern Ireland?

Alan McDonald won 52 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring 3 goals.

Which clubs did Alan McDonald play for?

Queens Park Rangers (1981–1997), Charlton Athletic (1983–1983), Swindon Town (1997–1998).

Where does Alan McDonald rank among Northern Ireland's greatest footballers?

The 33 Legends almanac ranks Alan McDonald #23 of Northern Ireland's 33 greatest players of all time.

‹ Northern Ireland's 33

No verified career portrait available.

23 / Northern Ireland · 1986–1996

Alan McDonald

CB anchor

Caps · Northern Ireland

Goals · Northern Ireland

Life

1963–2012

Clubs

Queens Park Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Swindon Town

#23

Editorial rank of 33 for Northern Ireland

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The people's rank, live from duel votes

A truly no-nonsense centre-back and captain of QPR, he was the bedrock of their defence for over a decade, epitomising resilience and leadership. Career record: 52 caps and 3 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Queens Park Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Swindon Town.

Career sources

Career dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q714511

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Career record

1981–1997	Queens Park Rangers
1983–1983	Charlton Athletic
1997–1998	Swindon Town
Northern Ireland	52 caps, 3 goals

Sources

Senior international years checked 4 October 2026
Caps · Northern Ireland checked 4 October 2026
Goals · Northern Ireland checked 4 October 2026

Shared the era

Northern Ireland legends whose careers overlapped McDonald's

The world's great CBs

Around McDonald in the almanac

One rank above: Sammy McIlroy at #22.

One rank below: Billy Hamilton at #24.

Northern Ireland's editorial top five: George Best · Danny Blanchflower · Pat Jennings · Peter Doherty · Aaron Hughes.

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