CHRIS Maguire’s start to the season is showing why Oxford United waited so long for the forward to sign this summer, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

The 27-year-old has scored the decisive goals in two of the side’s three victories in Sky Bet League One so far.

He netted a double to defeat Swindon Town last weekend, following on from despatching a stoppage-time penalty to beat Peterborough United last month.

Maguire has shown the same appetite for the big occasion which United supporters saw from him in the high-pressure games at the end of last season.

It prompted the club to offer the former Aberdeen and Sheffield Wednesday forward a new contract in May.

Several deadlines came and went during the summer without an answer, but a deal was finally done in July after United made an improved offer.

Appleton admitted he would not have waited so long for most transfer targets.

“Probably not, but I’ve known him a long time,” the U’s boss said.

“I signed him three times, back from when I first went into management at Pompey.

“He’s a player who at times can look like he’s not bothered or interested, but that’s just the way he is.

“He’s a big game player and he certainly turned up against Swindon.”

With four goals, Maguire is United’s top-scorer and is only one behind his tally for the whole of the last campaign.

It has come with him filling in for the side in wide areas while he waits for a chance to play in his favoured role through the middle.

The Scot is feeling the benefit of signing for United early in pre-season, avoiding the mistake he made 12 months earlier when a move to Rotherham United came late in the summer.

He said: “Pre-season is a big part, every player will tell you that.

“The worst thing you can do is go to a club and try to play catch-up – I tried to do that last season in the Championship and it’s difficult.

“I’m feeling focused, I’ve had a good pre-season and I’m feeling good at the moment.

“It’s nice to be top-scorer and long may it continue.

“I’ve got targets through the season to hit and I’m on track for them.”