Paul Simpson has paid tribute to Sean Maguire after the striker returned from a “tough” personal time to shine on his full Carlisle United debut.

The summer signing had missed Saturday’s defeat at Oxford United because of a family matter.

But the former Preston North End man was back on Tuesday – and produced a bright display in the 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic.

Manager Simpson said Maguire showed some of the qualities that he hopes will make the frontman a crucial player for Carlisle in League One.

On his recent absence, the Blues boss said: “He text me on Saturday night then I spoke to him on Sunday, and he came in Monday morning.

“I think he’s had a tough few days, him and his wife, but thankfully he felt he was ready to play. He wanted to play.

News and Star: Maguire was applauded off when substituted on Tuesday, after helping Carlisle fight back against WiganMaguire was applauded off when substituted on Tuesday, after helping Carlisle fight back against Wigan (Image: Ben Holmes)

“I asked him on Monday morning if he could give me at least 60 minutes and he said yes, he definitely could.

“That will do him the world of good on Tuesday.

“When you have family issues going on, as a footballer, they hurt, it’s really difficult. The right thing for him was to stay behind, I had no problem with that at all.

“You can never cancel it out of your mind but you want to be playing football, back out doing what you do best.

“I thought he was excellent the way he went about it.”

Maguire played a key part in Owen Moxon’s equaliser as Carlisle fought back impressively against the Latics.

The Republic of Ireland international will now aim to help the Blues claim a first win of the season at home to Exeter City on Saturday.

Simpson added of the 29-year-old: “He’s just a dynamic sort of player.

“You look at him – he’s a little fella like me and he’s getting up and winning headers against centre-backs.

“He’s got a great leap on him, he’s got great energy about him, he makes clever runs and he’s got some power.

“We want to see the best of him, and when we get Dan Butterworth fully fit I think he’ll bring it, when Luke Plange settles himself into it, he’ll show us what he’s all about.

“I’m pleased with what we’ve got. I still want to add to it because I think we need some more – we need a bit more in the group to make us better.”