Seani Maguire: 'I don't think many teams are going to give us that much respect this year'

'SEANI'S ON FIRE': Seani Maguire of Cork City during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Cork City and Bohemians at Turner's Cross in Cork. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Seani Maguire says Cork City “are not messing about” as they seek to trump expectations on their Premier Division return.

Ahead of a Munster derby against Maguire’s former club Waterford, the 11-time Irish international feels City can use their newly promoted status against teams.

He also hopes to employ the frustration of their postponed trip to Shamrock Rovers into a run of three games in eight days, which began with a 2-1 victory over Bohemians on Friday.

“We'll channel that going forward for most games because we know how much quality we have in this dressing room,” said Maguire.

“A lot of people will not give us that much respect because coming up from the First Division, Cork City, they might be so-called pushovers.

“But if people look at the last couple of games, I'm not sure if they'll be surprised, but we're showing the country what we can do and what we're actually made of.” 

He continued: “Our game this year will be attacking transitions, counter-attacking football, and I think we'll hurt teams.

“I don't think many teams are going to give us that much respect this year or expect much from us but we're not messing about.

“We'll hurt teams with the attacking presence we have up the top end of the field, and you've seen it, especially the last two games that we've stood up against two physical teams.

“I'm happy as long as the team keeps winning, and that'll give everyone a boost, especially after what happened up at Rovers last week.

“Because I felt that we probably would have done them over up there, especially with the injuries and tired legs and stuff like that.

“So getting points on the board now is really important and that will give everyone a big boost.” 

Maguire scored the levelling header against Bohs before assisting Ruairí Keating’s winner.

He feels his aerial ability is often undersold.

“I back myself when the ball is put in the box. People probably tend to underestimate me because I'm only about five foot eight, five foot nine, but I back myself against anyone in the league, especially in the air.

“That was the case for the goal. Rio (Shipston) put it on a plate, it was just about attacking the right areas, and thankfully it went in.

“As a striker, you build yourself on confidence. That's our second game of the season and getting up and running pretty much straight away is really, really pleasing. Not just for myself but for Keats as well.” 

Waterford will have to recover from a trip to Derry on Friday but returned buoyed by a win.

“They've picked up six points from nine and two away wins,” said Maguire.

“That's another bit of an incentive for a Munster derby, two teams in decent form, so it'll be building up for a decent encounter.

“It's a quick turnaround, two days in between the next game, so it's just about recovering now and then refocusing for Monday.”