33·Legends

Danny Blanchflower vs Jimmy McIlroy

Northern Ireland against Northern Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

DB

Danny Blanchflower

Northern Ireland · CM

Almanac rating
90
Rank in Northern Ireland
#2 of 33
Caps
56 · 2 goals
Clubs
Barnsley, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur
Honours
Hall of Fame

Tottenham's legendary double-winning captain, his eloquent leadership and incisive passing from midfield inspired one of English football's greatest teams. Career record: 56 caps and 2 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Barnsley, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur; honours include Hall of Fame.

vs
JM

Jimmy McIlroy

Northern Ireland · 1958–62 · RM

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Northern Ireland
#7 of 33
Caps
55 · 10 goals
Clubs
Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Honours
Hall of Fame

Burnley did not top the First Division for a single day of 1959-60 until the final afternoon, a 2-1 win at Manchester City on 2 May 1960, and the passing that carried them there belonged to the inside-forward Turf Moor called the Brain of Burnley. That championship, the 1962 FA Cup final lost to Tottenham, 55 Northern Ireland caps and the 1958 World Cup quarter-final run sit beside 497 Burnley games and 131 goals. Career record: 55 caps and 10 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac puts Danny Blanchflower ahead by 3 rating points, 90 against 87.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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