Sean Maguire delighted to be top of the PNE charts

The Irishman’s header in the 3-1 victory against Leeds on Tuesday night was his 10th goal of an injury-interrupted campaign.

He has the same number as Jordan Hugill who was sold to West Ham in January.

Hugill notched eight goals in Championship action and two in the League Cup.

All of Maguire’s have come in the Championship, either side of a four-month absence with a badly torn hamstring which required surgery.

Maguire said: “I’ll always back myself to score goals.

“Before my injury I felt I should have scored a few more but I still managed four.

“Since coming back I’ve got six goals in eight games, which I’m pleased with. I’m getting more chances to play up front which gets you into better 
areas of the box to get opportunities.

“Really I’m just happy to be contributing to the team.

“It is not about individual performances or goals, it is all about the team effort to get three points.”

Maguire was on target with Preston’s second goal against Leeds, getting on the end of a Paul Gallagher cross to head home.

It came three minutes after Gallagher had equalised from the penalty spot, the visitors having taken a first-half lead.

Alan Browne headed a late third goal to wrap up what was a much-needed win.

Maguire said: “I thought we were unlucky to be behind but goals change games.

“Leeds scoring knocked us down a peg and at that point we could have curled up in a ball and let the game fizzle out.

“We didn’t do that – during half-time the gaffer got into a few of us and in the second half we really put on a show.

“I was pleased to score with a header and I think heading is one of my best attributes.

“I’ll back myself to score headers even if the defenders are much taller than myself by getting in front of them or even by beating them in the air.

“On this occasion I saw the opportunity to nick in front of the keeper.

“It was a great ball over from Gally – he has a wand of a right foot.

“Any time Gally gets on the ball and lifts his head, I’m on a run because I know where he is going to put it.”

Maguire faces a wait to see whether he will be fit for the trip to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday after feeling his hamstring tighten late in the Leeds game.

The 23-year-old said: “The ball came in quite high and I stretched for it.

“I think it could have been cramp or a little bit of a niggle.

“We’ll see how it is over the next day or two and hopefully I will be alright for Saturday’s game.”