Jimmy McIlroy's name is synonymous with a glittering period in Burnley Football Club's history where he helped the club to win the First Division title in 1960.

Widely regarded as the greatest-ever Claret, the Northern Ireland inside forward was a devastating on the pitch as he is unassuming off it.

Now, as the Burnley Express back calls to give him the freedom of the borough, he has talked exclusively about what the honour would mean to him.

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"It's unbelievable and embarrassing," he said. "It isn't often that an Irishman is left speechless, but in this case I am. It's a terrific compliment and truly a great honour. I think I've heard something about this mentioned before but I only thought people were joking."

Clarets shareholder Mr Harry Brooks is the man behind the campaign to honour Jimmy Mac, having sent a letter to Burnley Borough Council requesting that Jimmy be given the freedom of the borough.

A section of the emotive letter states: "Jimmy McIlroy gave the essence of his footballing life to the town he arrived at in 1950 at the age of 18.

"For nearly 60 years in Burnley he has been a fine example of citizenship, lending his name, his presence, his interest and his time in response to constant requests to support local good causes and worthwhile public events. Modest almost to a fault, fame never rested more lightly on any man's shoulders.

"The Burnley directors have indicated the club's wish to honour Jimmy with a testimonial now that the year of special anniversary celebrations has ended. It would be fitting if the grant of the freedom of the borough could be linked with those arrangements."

In 1999, the East Stand at Turf Moor was named in his honour and Burnley's best-loved son, who has lived in Rosehill since he first moved to the town, cannot believe the honours that are still bestowed upon him.

"After all these years I am more afraid of standing in front of an audience than taking a penalty at Wembley," he said. "I honestly wonder what I have done to deserve this. The title-winning team was a fantastic team and I was fortunate enough to be a part of that team. I was doing what I was paid to do and, at the end of the day, it was just a game of football."

This honour would mark the impact that Jimmy has had on not just the town's football club but the town as a whole – a town he has never wished to leave.

He said: "When I was playing for Burnley I was approached by one of the big Italian club who promised me more money, good education for my children and a villa overlooking the Mediterranean. When I rang up my wife to ask her what she thought she just said 'why would we want to leave Burnley?'. When I was at Stoke we played in South America and Boca Juniors asked if I would be interested in moving. I rang my wife and again she told me the same thing.

"I rang my wife but the truth is that I would never have wanted to leave Burnley and play abroad. As soon as I moved to Burnley it felt like home. I cannot think of anywhere I would have rather lived."