Crusaders loanee clear preserving Premiership status would 'mean a lot to me'
It’s a crucial weekend for both clubs Thomas Maguire is associated with – but the winger insists his full focus is on helping Crusaders preserve Premiership status in Friday’s second-leg showdown against Annagh United.
Maguire joined the North Belfast club on loan from Dungannon Swifts, who are preparing for a second consecutive Irish Cup final, in January.
The 26-year-old scored a crucial late winner for the Crues in Tuesday’s promotion/relegation play-off first-leg, sealing a 3-2 triumph and ensuring Declan Caddell’s side hold an advantage heading into the reverse fixture at Seaview.
Crusaders have won three Premiership titles and a hat-trick of Irish Cup crowns across the past 11 years, but are now fighting to remain in the top-flight following a tough campaign.
Caddell’s men avoided an automatic drop after putting together an impressive four-game unbeaten run to finish their campaign – Glenavon will be plying their trade in the Championship next season.
Crusaders are attempting to avoid a similar fate and extend a 20-year run amongst Northern Ireland’s elite – a positive result against Annagh will secure Premiership status for the 2026/27 campaign.
"Coming in on loan, if I'm able to get us over the line that'll mean a lot to me and I'll be really pleased with that,” said Maguire. “I'm grateful that we were able to get our noses in front going into Friday night.
"But we know that it's only half-time so we'll have to make sure that we're fully at it and all ready to go come Friday.
"I think the last-minute equaliser against Bangor was what kick-started it and it's just about belief for the squad of players because coming in January as a loan signing, I could see the talent but I don’t think there was much self-belief there.
"We have turned a corner in terms of momentum but we're not over the line yet, so the main aim is to stay focused over the next couple of days, recover properly and get the job done on Friday night.
"I'm buzzing for Dungannon Swifts. I've got a lot of friends there, a lot of people I'm close with. I'm going to go watch them on Saturday, hopefully, they can get the job done.
"But full focus for myself is Friday night and helping Crusaders stay in the Premiership."