Maguire: Boss Talked Me Into Our Winner

Mar 30 2008 By Jordan Costello

SUPERSUB Chris Maguire was delighted to have grabbed the last-minute winner for Aberdeen at Inverness and said his gaffer's pep talk was the inspiration for him scoring it.

The 19-year-old rookie was in the right place at the right time to knock home the rebound after Jackie McNamara's strike was saved by Michael Fraser.

The goal means the Dons are still clinging on to their top-six hopes heading into their showdown at home to Falkirk next week.

Maguire admitted boss Jimmy Calderwood challenged him to change the match before he threw him on - and he was happy to repay his manager's faith before insisting he could even make the headlines again next week.

Maguire said: "When the boss told me to go on he just said go and see if you can win us the game and I'm delighted that I managed to do that.

"It's great to have scored the winner in such an important game. I came on and started in midfield but then I pushed forward and in the end it was a real striker's goal.

"I followed Jackie's shot in and it proved to be the right move as it led to the winner.

"It was vital that we won today and to take that into next week is great so hopefully I can score the winner next week as well."

Dons boss Calderwood admitted Inverness manager Craig Brewster's tactics took him aback a little but was delighted to take the points in a game he says was an example of his side's season. He said: "It's just another one that sums up our season. I must admit Craig surprised me with his 4-5-1 formation and I wasn't really ready for that.

But we started the game strongly and our game plan was working. Then we gave away two silly goals as usual. But we got back into it and at half-time we were told we were playing against 10 men, which makes it difficult.

"But credit to the lads they showed great character and fought right to the end and we're still in it.

"We now look forward to the Falkirk game and I don't think Hearts will be too excited about facing Kilmarnock next week."