Jimmy McIlroy scored 10 goals in 55 caps for Northern Ireland

Former Burnley and Northern Ireland forward Jimmy McIlroy has died at the age of 86.

McIlroy played 497 games for the Clarets between 1950 and 1962, winning the old First Division title in 1960.

He made 55 appearances for his country, scoring 10 goals between 1951 and 1965, and helped them reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1958.

Burnley said they were "deeply saddened to learn of the death of our greatest ever player".

A club statement added: "A giant of a man. The thoughts of everyone connected with the club are with his family and friends at this sad time."

McIlroy started his career at Northern Irish club Glentoran in 1949, before moving to England with Burnley one year later.

After leaving the Clarets in 1962, he played for Stoke and Oldham before retiring in 1967.

He was appointed Oldham manager in 1966 but left in 1968, and also took charge of Bolton for a brief period in 1970.

Burnley's Turf Moor stadium has a stand named after McIlroy and he was given a testimonial by the club in 2009.

In 2011, he was made an MBE for services to football and to charity.

Source: bbc.com

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