Sammy McIlroy

Icon CDM, also CM, CB Right-footed box-to-box

Rating

Caps

Goals

Life

1954

Clubs

Manchester United, Stoke City, Bury

Honours

Hall of Fame

#20

Editorial rank of 33 for Northern Ireland

–

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; honours include Hall of Fame.

Vote in Northern Ireland's duels Build your Northern Ireland XI

Around McIlroy in the almanac

One rank above: Neil Lennon at #19.

One rank below: Alan McDonald at #21.

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