ACCRINGTON Stanley striker Sean Maguire has hailed the impact his loan spell at the Store First Stadium has had on him after being called up to the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21 squad for the first time.

The 20-year-old has scored five goals for the Reds this season since joining on loan from West Ham,who signed him from League of Ireland side Waterford in January 2013.

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After a promising start to the campaign Maguire had experienced something of a goal drought recently, but he ended a run of 11 games without a goal on Saturday, scoring Stanley’s first in their 2-2 draw with York.

His regular exposure to first team football has now seen him rewarded with more international recognition, having previously been capped at U19 level.

Maguire flew out yesterday to join the U21 squad for their European qualifier against Andorra in Waterford and could make his debut tonight.

“I’m delighted to be called up,” he said. “It’s an honour to be recognised by your country and I hope I’ll get the chance to play.

“First team football at Accrington has made a huge difference to me this season and I’m grateful to everyone at the club for the opportunity.

“To get an international call up after a great time playing regularly this season is just fantastic.”

Noel King’s U21s side host their Andorran counterparts at the RSC, Waterford in their first qualifying game for the UEFA Under-21 Championship in Poland, which takes place in 2017.