Northern Ireland striker links up with international team-mate after making Stevenage move

Magennis was a free agent after departing Exeter City this summer and has been backed to bring “valuable experience” to his new side.

The 35-year-old has amassed over 600 career appearances across spells in England’s Championship, League One, League Two and Scottish Premiership.

Bangor native Magennis has now made a return to the English third-tier – a division he has won twice with Hull City and Wigan Athletic.

Magennis has earned 89 international caps with Northern Ireland, scoring 12 goals, and featured in both of June’s friendlies against Guinea and France.

He netted 13 times in 77 League One appearances across two seasons at Exeter, who were relegated last season after finishing three points adrift of safety.

Magennis’ arrival bolsters Alex Revell's attacking options with fellow Northern Ireland star Reid already at Broadhall Way.

Reid’s 14 goals helped Stevenage reach the League One play-offs last term before they lost out to Stockport County in the fight for promotion.

Magennis has already started his coaching badges as he prepares for life beyond the pitch, but speaking earlier this month, the former Charlton Athletic forward insisted he wasn’t ready to hang up the boots just yet.

“Me being able to talk nonsense 24/7 sort of gives me a relationship with everyone in the squad,” he said with a laugh. “It’s easy for me to be able to relate to whether I’m talking to Jamie Reid who’s 31 or I’m talking to Ceadach (O’Neill) or Braiden (Graham) who are young pups coming through.

"The dynamic in the group is amazing.

“But for me the only way I get to stay in the squad is if I continue to perform at club level.

“I’m unemployed at the minute. I’m trying to find a new job, but when that dust settles, hopefully I’m at a level where my performance is carrying me through to still be in the squad.”