Chris Maguire reveals his ambitious goal target as he aims to fire Sunderland to promotion

The attacking midfielder has been in dazzling form over the last month, contributing five goals and eight assists as the Black Cats surged up the League One table.

And Maguire, who is out of contract in the summer, is keen to keep playing his part – having set himself an ambitious goal target for the remainder of the campaign.

“I just want to keep going,” he said of his form.

“I did have a target coming into the start of the season. I set myself goals, I try to set one for before Christmas and do it in two blocks then see what I can get at the end of the season. I'm on track for that.

“I think the best I've scored in a season is 17, so I'd like to get past that and I'm still right on track to surpass that.”

Maguire’s string of strong performances comes after his candid admission that he needed to work on his fitness, with the 31-year-old having completed extra sessions in a bid to improve his performances.

So with that work done, is he now playing the best football of his career?

“Yeah,” said Maguire, when posed that question by safc.com.

“At the moment I'm feeling good, I'm feeling fit - obviously going back we had that conversation to get me fitter and it's benefited myself and the team.

“Long may it continue, because at the moment going into matches I feel confident, I feel like I'm going to score or set-up a goal.”

Maguire will once again be hoping to have an impact when Sunderland head to Coventry on Sunday afternoon (Noon kick-off) – and a win could prove key in the race for promotion.

“We know ourselves that we've put ourselves in a good position,” added Maguire.

“Going into every game we're confident, everyone is feeling good, and at this vital part of the season that can only help.”