During his career at Distillery, his team mates included fellow Irish internationals Billy Crone and Jack Reynolds.
Stanfield made his international debut for Ireland on 5 February 1887, aged 17 years and 344 days, in a 7–0 defeat to England at Bramall Lane, Sheffield.
On 7 February 1891, Stanfield scored four goals in a 7–2 win over Wales and as a result became the first Irish player to finish as top scorer in a British Home Championship.
The highlight of the three came on 3 March 1894 at the Solitude Ground in Belfast, when after thirteen attempts Ireland finally avoided defeat to England.
Against an England team that included Fred Spiksley and Jack Reynolds, who had since switched allegiances, Stanfield’s goal inspired Ireland to come back from 2–0 down to gain a 2–2 draw.