CHRIS Maguire wants to replicate last year’s success by scoring against Walsall in consecutive seasons.

Just four months ago the set-piece specialist curled home an equaliser as his former side Oxford drew 1-1 with Jon Whitney’s men.

Maguire is set to make his Shakers debut on Saturday, but the forward already has fond memories of playing at Gigg Lane, having netted two stunning free-kicks as the the U’s claimed a 3-2 victory last season.

The 28-year-old now targets getting his Bury career off to a goalscoring start as he bids to beat last season’s 17-goal haul.

Speaking exclusively to the Bury Times for the first time since signing, the forward said: “I played against Walsall last season and I managed to get a goal against them so that’s something to look forward to, hopefully I can get another one.

“First and foremost the three points are what you want but if I can get on the score sheet then I’ll be delighted.

“The manager has drilled it into the boys that he wants to be successful, that’s why he brought players here – to be successful.

“We are looking forward to getting started and hopefully we can kick on.

“My favourite position is up front or in the number 10 role where I try and get as many goals as I can. I want to better the goals that I got last year.

“That’s the aim this season and hopefully it can be a successful one.”

The Scotland international penned a two-year deal two weeks ago after turning down an extension at the Kassam Stadium.

Maguire was considering his options as a number of Championship, League One and Scottish clubs had tabled offers.

Bury managed to beat off all the competition to secure his signature, but the downside of having no club for most of pre-season means the 28-year-old feels he is a little behind his team-mates in terms of fitness.

“It will take a few weeks to get up to full fitness,” he added. “I am still working at that, it’s just the sharpness I need to get back.

“The thing with Oxford ended the last game of the season. I have kept myself ticking over but obviously, it’s not the same.

“The manager and the chairman flew up to Scotland to meet me in the close season and I liked what I heard.

“I only signed a year at Oxford and a big part was the manager (Michael Appleton) leaving as well. I had offers in the summer and I was weighing my options up.

“I’ve settled in well, the boys have been good and it’s good to get a feel for the ball again.”