Maguire's form gives Clough pride

The 23-year-old Scottish international joined the Blues on loan earlier this month after making just three starts for the Rams this season.

Already, Maguire has started four games for Pompey, scoring twice in the process – including the opener against Hull on Tuesday night.

His impressive form has made him an instant hit with the Fratton faithful and helped Michael Appleton’s side climb off the foot of the Championship table.

And it appears his south coast success hasn’t gone unnoticed by Clough.

‘Chris is doing well and that will be good for his confidence because it has been a tough first season for him here – a tough adjustment after signing last summer,’ said Clough.

‘He has not had many chances and so going out on loan is an ideal situation, everybody benefits.

‘He does and we do and that was the idea.’

Despite Maguire’s form, Clough admitted he’s unsure whether his £400,000 summer signing from Aberdeen has a Pride Park future when his Blues loan expires.

‘Whether he comes back with us and we assess him in the summer and pre-season or whether he attracts interest from other clubs, we don’t know. But it is nice that he has gone out and done well.’

– MARK McMAHON