Preston boss Alex Neil insists Sean Maguire’s season should not be judged on his goal return.
The Republic of Ireland and former Cork City marksman scored in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Bristol City.
But that was only his fifth goal in a Championship season where Preston North End finished ninth.
But Neil is adamant the Kilkenny man brings more to the team than the bare stats suggest - and wants fans to see that.
Maguire has occasionally shipped criticism from terrace boo boys but Neil said: "What we need to remember with Sean is what he offers the team.
"I know and understand - and so does he - that you’re going to be judged by goals being a striker.
“That’s a definite for any striker but what Seani brings to the team is so much, he gets into some good areas.”
Neil continued: "He probably just needs his confidence back in front of goal, not in his general play because that was terrific.
"But as a striker when you’re in that box and bang, you put it in the net, automatically you have that belief that when the ball falls for you it’s going to go in the net.
"This season goals wise, I'm sure Seani will be disappointed, but performance wise he hasn't let us down."
