Sean Maguire set for four months on the sidelines

There was huge disappointment for Sean Maguire, and indeed for Republic of Ireland supporters, on Saturday with the news that the Preston North End striker will be out for up to four months.

In the build up to the big playoff game in Copenhagen next week, the former Cork City forward has picked up a hamstring injury. He now requires an operation and will miss out on the two leg World Cup playoff against Denmark.

Sean Maguire will undergo an operation after picking up an injury to his hamstring. Full details ?? https://t.co/oz0IJAkmVg#pnefcpic.twitter.com/TrXLQEv57y

— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) November 4, 2017

Maguire made his international debut last month in the win over Moldova. Having played midweek against Aston Villa, he took no part in Preston North End’s 3-0 away defeat on Saturday to Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town side (Ireland player David McGoldrick was on the scoresheet for the Tractor Boys).

North End’s manager Alex Neill noted that the loss of Maguire, who has scored four goals this season, is “devastating for us. He is going to be out for the best part of three or four months.”

Maguire himself tweeted about coming back“stronger than ever” but it is a bitter pill for the forward to swallow having started so strongly in Preston after making the move from League of Ireland champions Cork City ahead of the start of the English league season.

Thanks for all the messages. It’s only another minor setback to add to the list! I know I’ll come back stronger than ever ????????

— Seani Maguire (@Seani_Maguire_) November 4, 2017