Maguire makes an instant impact with debut goal after swapping Leeside for Preston

IT only took 21 minutes for Seánie Maguire to show the Preston North End fans why he was such a hero at Turner’s Cross.

The former Cork City man hit the net for his new club after coming on as a half-time sub in his debut at Deepdale last night.

Maguire and Kevin O’Connor only departed Cork last weekend in the wake of City’s Europa League exit, but both are expected to make an immediate impact for the Championship side.

That was certainly the case for Maguire here. He was one of the three Irish scorers as the hosts were beaten 2-1 by Premier League outfit Burnley in a pre-season friendly.

Another former Cork City player Kevin Long got on the scoresheet for what turned out to be the winning goal, while Robbie Brady set up John Walters for Burnley’s opener.

Roy Keane was at the game to watch 10 Irish men in action, including Alan Browne, with the ex-City and Ringmahon midfielder the first to congratulate Maguire after his impressive goal.

Browne, who made his Ireland debut recently, came close to grabbing an equaliser, as did Daryl Horgan, with the former Dundalk and City winger landing a shot on the roof of the net.

There will be huge interest in how Preston fare in the Championship under new boss Alex Neil, with Simon Grayson — who signed Maguire and Browne — now managing Leeds.

Preston’s first game in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday takes place the weekend after next.