MAGUIRE PRESTON FORWARD
North End striker Sean determined to maintain club momentum and force his way into Kenny’s plans
SEAN MAGUIRE is champing at the bit to prove his worth to new Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny.
The ambitious striker played under Kenny at former club Dundalk, briefly featuring in a successful side which clinched a memorable league and cup double.
And even though Maguire went on to make his name at Cork City, the 26-year-old Preston hitman is relishing working again with a manager he holds in very high esteem.
“Stephen’s a great manager, wherever he’s been he’s done well,” Maguire told Irish
Mirror Sport.
“He did an unbelievable job with the
[Republic of Ireland] under-21s side, so hopefully he can do the same for us.
“He’s an experienced manager and very experienced in the international set-up
“He’s really respected in
Irish football, he really is. He’s had a really good managerial career so far.
“He’s really good at player-management, that’s his main strength. He’s good at letting the players know what he wants.
“You could see that at Dundalk when I was there, the players really bought into what he wanted.
“Even when
I was not really playing because the team were doing so well, and also because I’d joined so late in the season, he kept me happy off the pitch. I always happy to do a job when I was needed.
“He’s a really good tactician as well, he’s great with phases of play and he’s very knowledgeable on the opposition and how they’re set up to play.
“What he achieved at Dundalk was very special, I think he got them to second in the league in first season and then, after that, they won a lot of league titles in a row.” Maguire (left) has been shining for Preston in the English Championship season, with the previously unfancied Lancashire club on the cusp of a history-making promotion to the Premier League with nine games remaining.
And Maguire has set his sights on bigger and better things, especially with the Boys in Green chasing Euro 2021 qualification and a potential all-irish play-off final showdown with Northern Ireland next year.
“This is definitely the most exciting time in my career as a footballer,” stressed Maguire.
“I’ve got a chance with Preston to try and get promoted and be a Premier League player next season.
“And not just that, getting a massive club like Preston in the Premier League would be a massive achievement in itself. That would create history for myself, the boys and for my family.
“Then hopefully being part of an Irish team that can compete in the European Championship and the World Cup.
“It’s a really important time in my career for me. I’m 26 now and I said, even a couple of years ago, that as a striker I want to be hitting my prime when I’m 27-28.
“I want to be playing in the Premier League when I’m 27 and I feel as though that’s within touching distance now.
“And then to hopefully qualify for the Euros and to play in Dublin, that would be unreal.”
MARK O’BRIEN is the second Newport County player to retire due to a heart issue in last 15 months.
The Irish centre-half, 27, needs an operation after which he will be unable to continue playing.
Exiles defender Fraser Franks retired with a heart condition in March 2019. Dubliner O’brien was County’s captain and had previously gone under the knife in 2009 to correct a heart valve problem.
The ex-derby and Luton defender had previously battled back from a cruciate injury and a knee injury before joining the Welsh outfit three years ago.
“The club will be doing everything it can to support Mark (inset) at this difficult time,” read a statement.
WORLD CUP 2022