Appleton hopes to keep Maguire

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton is hoping the Football League will agree to Derby County striker Chris Maguire extending his loan.

Derby striker has impressed during his loan spell at Portsmouth

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton is hoping the Football League will agree to Derby County striker Chris Maguire extending his loan until the end of the season. Maguire has scored twice in five appearances, including the opener in the midweek win over Hull City, since joining Pompey on an initial month's loan earlier in March. The former Aberdeen forward has impressed during his time at Fratton Park and Appleton is keen to retain Maguire for the remainder of Portsmouth's fight for Championship survival. "Hopefully, we can keep Chris until the end of the season, although obviously the Football League need to let it be renewed," Appleton told The News.

Worried

"I am always worried that teams might want my players back but, hopefully, that won't be the situation. He couldn't get in their team in the first place. "The original agreement was to have him for the rest of the season. They were quite happy for him to stay until the end of the season, so I would be disappointed if they go back on their word. "I tried to get him in January but it didn't quite happen. Then again a lot sooner than we actually did but for whatever reason it didn't happen. "But I am glad he is here now. He's enjoying his football and the opportunity to show he is a talent."