High level of praise coming the way of a rejuvenated Maguire

JACK Ross has praised Chris Maguire for his game-changing display against Accrington Stanley and insists he will be a fixture in his side as long as he performs to that level, writes JAMES HUNTER.

Maguire came off the bench with Sunderland trailing 2-0 on Friday night but within a matter of minutes he started the move which saw George Honeyman pull a goal back, before providing the assist for Aiden McGeady’s equaliser. Only a goalline clearance prevented Maguire completing the turnaround within 12 minutes of entering the action at the Stadium of Light.

Prior to Friday night, Maguire had not featured in the league for almost a month, which left Black Cats’ fans wondering what he had done to fall from favour.

Ross insists there was no mystery, saying it was purely as a result of Maguire’s form - and he strongly hinted the hitman’s showing against Accrington would earn him a place in the starting XI when Sunderland take on Gillingham on Wearside tonight.

Ross said: “Chris has played a lot of minutes and has made a big contribution - and when he plays at the level he was at on Friday evening he will always play in my team because he has quality.

“He is probably one of the best at understanding that system and position because of his willingness to drop into different areas.

“He has to be at that level and that level has to be the same in training and in games. When he is at that level, he knows he will play.

“My relationship with Chris has not changed one jot because he likes it here and he knows what we are doing with him.”