CLARETS great Jimmy McIlroy believes the fortunes of Burnley and Northern Ireland are running in the right direction.

McIlroy - regarded as the finest Clarets footballer of all-time - lays claim to starring for both Burnley and his country during the greatest period in their histories.

The inside-forward was part of the outstanding Clarets side forged in the late 1950's, that landed the 1960 Championship, and continued to dazzle English football in the early 1960's.

During the same era, he also helped guide Northern Ireland to the 1958 World Cup quarter-finals, the nation's best ever finish in the competition.

Both club and country have never reached the same incredible heights since.

But as Burnley trio Steve Jones, Michael Duff and Kyle Lafferty prepare for today's Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland in Belfast, McIlroy is pleased to see both sides on an upward curve.

"I think of Northern Ireland and Burnley as being almost on the same path," said McIlroy.

"If you look over the years, when Northern Ireland were a top class side, one of the best national sides in the World Cup and think of Burnley at the same time winning the Championship. Since then, they've never reached the same heights.

"Again, there's a comparison because there is a big revival in both teams. Northern Ireland over the past couple of years have shown improvement and the same could be said about Burnley.

"Things are looking better for both teams instead of saying they are struggling.

"Northern Ireland have improved. Gates have improved and they get a bigger backing from the fans over there.

"It's a long time since Burnley reached the very peak, just like Northern Ireland, but who knows what might happen in the future.

"It happens sometimes that a good generation or set of players come together at the same time.

"It's just finding and putting together a good squad - often that happens."

Through the decades, connections between Northern Ireland and Burnley run deep, with Alex Elder, Willie Irvine and Billy Hamilton among other names to pull on both green and claret and blue jerseys.

McIlroy added: "I think Burnley can consider Northern Ireland a happy hunting ground for them.

"I'm delighted three Northern Ireland players are in the Burnley squad. It creates a bit more interest when I watch them.

"I'm impressed with Lafferty. He's slim and tall. Some might say he's not strong enough, but he's a very clever footballer.

I'm certain he will get stronger.

"You don't become a top class player overnight. But I would think soon there will be scouts watching Lafferty. I would not be surprised if Burnley receive phone calls for the boy.

"In his position, he's got to be thinking of goals. With that attitude and the skills he's got, I'm sure Burnley are onto a winner.

"Michael Duff is another player who I'm certain will keep his place in the side for a number of years."