For a general linear multi-agent system (MAS) with directed communication topology, based on second-order neighbours' information, we establish its consensus criteria under intermittent control, which is more difficult to study due to the fact that the Laplacian matrix corresponding to the directed topology is an asymmetric matrix. In our study, both the weights of first-order and second-order neighbours need to be designed as parameters. Using switched system theory and Lyapunov function method, we prove that the intermittent control protocol based on second-order neighbours' information can make MASs achieve consensus faster than the common intermittent control protocol under certain conditions. Furthermore, we extend the results from MASs without leader to MASs with leader. Finally, numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of our results.