Jack Ross has paid homage to Chris Maguire following the impact he made on Friday’s draw with Accrington Stanley.
The Black Cats found themselves 2-0 down when Maguire took to the field of play with 53 minutes on the clock, and just a few seconds later the worked some magic as his cross was turned home by George Honeyman.
The skipper halved the deficit as Maguire’s cross was knocked back across goal by Will Grigg before Maguire’s pull-back teed up Aiden McGeady for him to level in the 62nd minute.
Speaking to safc.com, Ross hailed the response of Maguire following a frustrating period in recent weeks for the winger.
“He was terrific on Friday evening and I’m delighted he responded in that way,” he said.
“The relationship I’ve had with him has been consistent. He has been frustrated recently, like any player would be who wants to play.
“He has played a lot for us this season but on Friday he showed the reaction we hoped he would and now the challenge for Chris is to continue that and maintain that kind of performance level.
“If he plays to that level and that manner then he will always be in my team, so for him to respond in that way is a testament to his character.
“He will continue to be an important part of what we want to do this season and you saw on Friday night the quality he can bring to the side as well.”
UP NEXT - GILLINGHAM
Tickets for Tuesday’s League One meeting with Gillingham at the Stadium of Light, kick-off 7:45pm, remain on sale, with prices starting from just £20 for adults and £7.50 for under-16s.
