33·Legends

Martin O’Neill vs Peter McParland

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

MO

Martin O’Neill

Northern Ireland · CM

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Northern Ireland
#9 of 33
Caps
64 · 8 goals
Clubs
Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Notts County
Honours
Hall of Fame

A tough-tackling, tenacious midfielder, he was a key part of Brian Clough's all-conquering Nottingham Forest side, winning two European Cups. Career record: 64 caps and 8 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Notts County; honours include Hall of Fame.

vs
PM

Peter McParland

Northern Ireland · 1952–1971 · LM

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Northern Ireland
#10 of 33
Caps
34 · 10 goals
Clubs
Aston Villa, Plymouth Argyle, Atlanta Chiefs
Honours
Hall of Fame

Both Aston Villa goals in the 1957 FA Cup final were his, struck against a Manchester United side reduced by his infamous sixth-minute collision with goalkeeper Ray Wood. A year later he scored five times at the 1958 World Cup to carry Northern Ireland into the quarter-finals, and in 1961 he added the League Cup to that Wembley winner's medal. Career record: 34 caps and 10 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Aston Villa, Plymouth Argyle, Atlanta Chiefs; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 87.

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

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