Sean Maguire signs new three-year deal at Preston North End

Republic of Ireland striker Sean Maguire has signed a new three-year deal with Preston North End – less than a year since signing from Cork City.

The Kilkenny man has made a considerable impression during his 11 months in Lancashire, finishing the 2017/18 campaign as top scorer despite missing four months with a hamstring injury.

24-year-old Maguire scored ten goals in 24 appearances during his maiden season at Deepdale, many of those coming from a wide midfield role, as Preston finished one spot off the play-offs.

“I have improved a lot since I signed for Preston North End and that’s what I want to continue doing and I think the gaffer has played a huge part in that,” Maguire told the club's website.

“I have come on leaps and bounds since I started my first campaign last August and I want to continue improving and there is no better club to do that with than Preston North End.

“We set the bar last season, finishing seventh and we want to take this club to the top tier and I think next season we need to push on.”

Maguire made his League of Ireland debut as a 16-year-old for Waterford United before joining West Ham United aged 18.

He had loan spells with Sligo Rovers and Accrington Stanley but left Upton Park without making a senior appearance for the Hammers.

After spending the climax of the 2015 season with Dundalk, Maguire signed for Cork City ahead of the 2016 season and quickly established himself as a lethal marksman.

Maguire's performance in the league and in Europe – he scored 20 goals in 21 league appearances and four in the Europa League – in 2017 saw him move mid-season to Preston.