How many caps did Sammy McIlroy win for Northern Ireland?

Sammy McIlroy won 88 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring 5 goals.

Which clubs did Sammy McIlroy play for?

Manchester United (1971–1982), Stoke City (1982–1985), Manchester City (1985–1986), Örgryte IS (1986–1986), Bury (1986–1989), Admira Wacker (1988–1988), VfB Mödling (1988–1988), Preston North End (1989–1991), Northwich Victoria (1991–1993).

Where does Sammy McIlroy rank among Northern Ireland's greatest footballers?

The 33 Legends almanac ranks Sammy McIlroy #22 of Northern Ireland's 33 greatest players of all time.

‹ Northern Ireland's 33

No verified career portrait available.

22 / Northern Ireland · 1972–1987

Sammy McIlroy

CDM box-to-box

Caps · Northern Ireland

Goals · Northern Ireland

Life

1954

Clubs

Manchester United, Stoke City, Bury

#22

Editorial rank of 33 for Northern Ireland

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The people's rank, live from duel votes

The classy midfielder was a vital cog in Alex Ferguson's Manchester United team, blending grit with surprising attacking flair during the 1970s. Career record: 88 caps and 5 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Stoke City, Bury.

Career sources

Career dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q552248

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Career record

1971–1982	Manchester United
1982–1985	Stoke City
1985–1986	Manchester City
1986–1986	Örgryte IS
1986–1989	Bury
1988–1988	Admira Wacker
1988–1988	VfB Mödling
1989–1991	Preston North End
1991–1993	Northwich Victoria
Northern Ireland	88 caps, 5 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 McIlroy's

The world's great CDMs

Around McIlroy in the almanac

One rank above: Neil Lennon at #21.

One rank below: Alan McDonald at #23.

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

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