The Sheffield Wednesday defenders will be twisting and turning in their sleep.
Sean Maguire was tossed in from the start by Alex Neil and he did not disappoint on his Preston North End debut.
The 23-year-old, recently signed from Cork City, started up front for Preston as they faced fellow Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale. He was named in the starting XI along with Irish players Greg Cunningham and Alan Browne, with Daryl Horgan on the bench.
Preston will wonder how they did not win by more than the final 1-0 scoreline but it was not for the want of trying, with Maguire thoroughly impressing in his 75-minute stint.
He teed up P.N.E teammate Callum Robinson for two scoring chances and twice went close himself. He had a drive well saved by Wednesday and Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and side-footed another offering to the right and wide in the second half.
Fans watching Maguire in action for his new club were enthused about his talent, graft and potential to score lots of Championship goals.
Great run and effort by Sean Maguire is turned behind by Keiren Westwood. Good save by the #SWFC No 1.
— Dom Howson (@domhowson) August 5, 2017
Maguire fizzes in a low cross which Westwood can only parry but Lees comes to the rescue to clear the loose ball. Preston on top. #SWFC
— Dom Howson (@domhowson) August 5, 2017
CLOSE! Rapid counter for #pnefc lead by Maguire before Robinson curls inches wide from the left edge of the area. 0-0. #SWFC
— Scott Hunt (@scotthunt92) August 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/PNE_ThisMinute/status/893855535321186304
Maguire has moved to the left, Robinson now in the hole behind Hugill, DJ moves back next to Pearson
— Dave Seddon (@Sedds_lep) August 5, 2017
The reaction from Preston fans as he left the field of play tells you all you need to know:
Maguire taken off to a standing ovation. He looks like a superb signing for #pnefc. Gallagher on. 0-0 #SWFC
— Scott Hunt (@scotthunt92) August 5, 2017
Maguire taken off with 15 to go – ovation from around the ground and few chants of his name. Bright enough start against tough side
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) August 5, 2017
Strong debut from Sean Maguire, replaced by Gally going into last 10 mins…
— Studio 41 (@StudioForty1) August 5, 2017
It is just the start, and Maguire will be frustrated at not finding the net, but he showed more than enough to suggest he could make some real waves in this league.
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