'Excellent' Sean Maguire earns praise from Preston North End manager Alex Neil

Sean Maguire's performance in Preston North End's victory over Coventry City was described as 'excellent' by Alex Neil.
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Maguire set up the first goal for Daniel Johnson and scored the second in the 2-0 win at Deepdale on Tuesday night, the Lilywhites rounding-off 2020 on a high note.

He led the attack well, first with Tom Barkhuizen for company and later when Emil Riis came on.

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North End manager Neil said: "I thought Seani was excellent, he worked his socks off.

Sean Maguire celebrates scoring Preston North End's second goal against Coventry at Deepdale on Tuesday nightSean Maguire celebrates scoring Preston North End's second goal against Coventry at Deepdale on Tuesday night
Sean Maguire celebrates scoring Preston North End's second goal against Coventry at Deepdale on Tuesday night

"I think the wee spell out of the team did him the world of good in getting his hunger back in terms of the type of performance he showed.

"He is unbelievably good in the air. I know some people question why we play a tiny guy up front and put the ball up to him but when you listen to other teams' centre-backs, Seani isn't a wee, tiny guy up front.

"Seani can leap, he is aggressive and can run. I was really pleased with him."

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It was Maguire who closed down Coventry midfield Ben Sheaf on the edge of the box, took possession from him and played in Johnson for the opening goal in the 18th minute.

PNE striker Sean Maguire is challenged by Coventry skipper Kyle McFadzeanPNE striker Sean Maguire is challenged by Coventry skipper Kyle McFadzean
PNE striker Sean Maguire is challenged by Coventry skipper Kyle McFadzean

Eight minutes into the second half, Maguire poked home North End's second goal after Paul Gallagher's free-kick had caused a big scramble in the six-yard box.

That was the Republic of Ireland international's third Championship goal of the season and fourth in total.

North End climbed to 11th place in the table, Tuesday's victory their third on the bounce - all with clean sheets.

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They kick-off 2021 by hosting Nottingham Forest at Deepdale on Saturday (3pm).

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