For a generation of Clarets fans during the middle and late 1960's, one man would stand out above all others as the epitome of a tigerish, all action, midfield dynamo.

Brian O'Neil, the 'Bedlington Terrier' was not big in stature, but his heart was enormous and on the Turf Moor mudheaps of that era, he was always able to be recognised simply because he was quite often unrecognisable, number obliterated and covered in mud.

O'Neil came to Burnley as a 16-year-old junior in 1959, signing professional forms in 1961. He moved quickly through the junior ranks and was a member of both the Central League Championship sides of 1961/62 and 1962/63, making his First Division debut at the age of 19 in 1963.

With Jimmy Adamson in the twilight of his career, O'Neil battled with David Walker and Sammy Todd for a place in the team and he ultimately saw both of them off and became a regular in the team.

His powerful performances were enough bring him to the attention of the international selectors and he represented the Football League in 1965 and won one England under 23 cap against Turkey in 1966.

As Burnley's fortunes began to decline, some of the Turf Moor stars moved on and Southampton smashed their transfer record to sign Brian for a fee of £75,000 in the summer of 1970.