Seanie Maguire hopes for 'fresh start' at Coventry

Republic of Ireland striker Seanie Maguire said he was keen to make a "fresh start" after joining Coventry City from Preston on an initial deal until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who has 12 caps for the Republic of Ireland, joined Preston from Cork City in 2017 and made 170 appearances for North End, although he failed to score in any of his 10 league matches in 2022-23. Beginning his career in Waterford, Maguire signed for West Ham in 2013-14, though didn't break into the first team in his 18 months at the East London club.

After subsequent spells at Sligo Rovers, Accrington Stanley and Dundalk, Maguire's career was re-ignited at Cork City, where his goals propelled them to the 2017 Premier Division title.

He departed for Deepdale in the summer of '17, scoring 24 goals over 170 appearances. He made the last of his 12 appearances for Ireland in the 0-0 draw at home to Bulgaria in the 2020 Nations League. He has scored one goal for his country, coming in a 3-1 friendly win over New Zealand in November 2019.

"I'm delighted with the move. Once I heard of Coventry’s interest I wanted to get it done as quickly as possible," Maguire told the club's website.

"I’ve been at Preston almost six years and it was a roller-coaster at times.

"I played regularly when fit but for the last year-and-a-half I haven’t played as much for various reasons.

"But a fresh start at Coventry is something I’m striving for. You haven’t seen the best out of me in the last few years but this is the right club and manager."

Maguire joins on the same day another Irish player signs for the club, former St Patrick's Athletic defender Luke McNally signing from Burnley.

The 23-year-old from Enfield signed from Oxford during the summer and has made four