BURNLEY FC's historic links with Northern Ireland are to be feature in a special television documentary.

From Belfast to Burnley is to be screened to the nation on Thursday and will feature Clarets legends such as Jimmy McIlroy, Willie Irvine, Alex Elder and Billy Hamilton as well as the club's current Northern Ireland internationals Kyle Lafferty, Steve Jones and Michael Duff.

The first Northern Irish player to play for Burnley was Tom Morrison in 1899 and ever since the club has had an allegiance with the country which has produced a string of players.

And Jimmy, 75, who made his debut away at Sunderland in 1950, believes the good scouting network in the country has helped unearth Ulster talent.

He said: "We had Northern Ireland scouts that would recommend players.

"Northern Ireland has been a happy hunting ground for Burnley.

"There always seems to be a trialist coming from Ulster and I am delighted there are three in the team at the moment."

From Belfast to Burnley will include archive colour footage of the 1962 FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspurs, goals from the Claret's 5-3 FA Cup win over Manchester United in 1953 as well as other surprise material.

To mark the event the club is hosting a special screening evening in the 1882 lounge on Thursday at 7.30pm.

Jimmy McIlroy and Willie Irvine will be present.

The programme's producer and presenter, John Flack and Ruth Gorman, will be flying in from Belfast. There will also be a question and answer session.

Jimmy said he was delighted with the club's current Northern Irish contingent especially Kyle Lafferty.

He said: "I have the highest hopes for the lad Lafferty, I like what I see. It's just a matter of him being given the opportunity of playing weekly but he has all the skills necessary to play at a higher level."

Admission for the event cost £3 with proceeds from the night going to the Ex-Clarets in Sport trust.

From Belfast to Burnley will be shown on Sky Sports 3 on Thursday at 5.30pm and 8pm and on Sky Sports 1 at 11.30am Friday.