The night Hamilton reigned in Spain

Showing sheer guts and determination, the former Turf Moor favourite's whipped cross led to Gerry Armstrong's famous winning strike for Northern Ireland against Spain in the 1982 World Cup.

Footage of the goal is shown time and again. Almost inevitably, it will receive another airing ahead of tonight's Euro 2008 qualifying clash in Belfast.

At Windsor Park, the two countries lock horns for the 17th time in their history.

In 16 previous meetings, Northern Ireland boast just one victory - in the cauldron of Valencia's Estadio Luis Casanova stadium 24 years ago.

"It's shown every year, every so often," admits Hamilton, who made 200 league appearances for Burnley from 1979-84.

"It made a big impression and the fans still love to see it. It gives us a tingle down the spine.

"It was an incredible night, the stadium in Valencia was bouncing.

"(Manager) Billy Bingham described it afterwards as like slaying the Spanish bull in the bull-ring.

"It was a fierce game - a lot of things went on that night.

"The atmosphere was intense, the supporters were right on top of us in that stadium (now the Mestalla). It was a cauldron of noise.

"It's been the case that Northern Ireland and Spain keep meeting each other.

"Out of the games we've played, that was the only one we won.

"It was one of my happiest memories. It has been a big talking point for the last 20-odd years, but it's a measure that we have never achieved that since.

"Thankfully, the one against England this year has relegated it really.

"It will always be remembered, but it's about time we created more moments like that."

A tall and powerful striker, Belfast-born Hamilton struck a rich partnership with Armstrong on the international front.

However, reflecting on the night they sunk Spain, Hamilton believes the goal may have been disallowed in today's game after he brushed off Valencia hard-man Miguel Tendillo.

"I raised my arm in front of Tendillo and was trying to get leverage.

"It was not an elbow, but it might have looked that way. Today's referees pick up things like that."

Armstrong grabbed the headlines after that famous victory, but Hamilton was to earn worldwide fame six days later, netting twice in a 2-2 with Austia at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Following his Spanish exploits, Hamilton returned to a hero's welcome at the Clarets, a time he never forgets.

He said: "I know people in Burnley told me they were watching Northern Ireland because I was playing.

"The people of Burnley are very similar to people from Northern Ireland, there's no doubt about it.

"They are easy going, friendly and accommodating.

"I saw a difference between living in Burnley and London (at previous club QPR) "I loved it at Burnley. I spent many years there and was sad to leave when I did.

"It was the John Bond era and I don't think John had time for me.

"Had he not been there, things may have been different."

In November 1979, Burnley's new boss Brian Miller shelled out £38,000 to recruit a then 21-year-old Hamilton from QPR.

A tremendous targetman, Hamilton was noted more for his brilliance in the air rather than his goalscoring feats.

He instantly became a crowd favourite and played a massive role in Burnley clinching the 1981/82 Division Three title.

"The Championship season was fantastic," said Hamilton.

"We were second from bottom at one stage and then we went on a 30-game run where we almost went unbeaten. It gave us so much confidence.

"We thought we were never going to lose and didn't look back that season.

"We needed to win away at Southend to secure promotion and we did 4-1.

"We had such a party that night with the lads. Our last game was at Chesterfield in midweek and it nearly got called off because the pitch was flooded.

"We knew we had to win to become champions, but it does not always work out that way.

"We huffed and puffed in front of 19,000 fans and could only manage a 1-1 draw.

"It was Fulham competing with us for the title and they did not win, so it was ours."