Maguire sets his sights on Italian job

The Inver Park captain, who has been out of action with a broken metatarsal since January 13, has been included in Harry McConkey’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Regions’ Cup matches in Italy.

The striker’s priority, however, is to get back in contention for the Reds. “It was a bonus to get the call from Harry, but I have told him if I don’t think I am fit then I won’t travel as it would be unfair on one of the stand-by players. I am due to get the plaster off next week, then I will have another X-ray and then think about getting back into training. If I am fit, I will sit out the first game on the March 6, but hopefully be in contention for the next game against Jersey on the eighth.”

Maguire revealed he’s finding it very frustrating being out of action. “I am really fed up being more or less house-bound, but I am trying to do some exercises to keep in shape and have borrowed an exercise bike from Niall McAllister, so I am clocking up the miles,” he said.

And he said he knew his injury was a serious one almost instantly. “I heard the crack and told the bench I was going for an X-ray straight away. It has been hard sitting in the stand watching the boys as I was looking forward to being involved with the new players coming in,” he revealed.

“The manager [Graham McConnel] has brought him some very good players and I think there is now enough quality in the side to get us away from the danger zone at the bottom. I am looking forward to getting the chance to play with Lee Thompson whose pace is frightening and also with Sencer Yilmaz, who I enjoyed playing with before he left to join Carrick Rangers.

“The squad is stronger, which will keep us all on our toes. It was maybe something which was lacking earlier in the season. We can now focus on the league and everyone will be available and hopefully there will be no more stupid red cards as we need everyone on the park.”

Maguire was also happy to see the recent additions to the backroom team. “Both Sammy Workman, who I worked with under Paul Millar, and Sammy Smith who I actually played with at Larne Tech, are strong characters who are passionate about the game. I haven’t heard what their roles are going to be yet, but I am looking forward to working with them again.”

If Maguire’s recovery goes to plan, Larne fans may have to wait until mid-March to see their star centre-forward back in action - and it can’t come soon enough!