THERE is more to come from Chris Maguire, predicted manager Phil Parkinson, who saw the Sunderland forward score a cracking free-kick in Saturday’s 4-0 demolition of Wycombe Wanderers.

It was one of two goals on the day for Maguire, the first a penalty, as the rejuvenated Black Cats swept aside a team which arrived at the Stadium of Light as League One leaders.

Last month Parkinson branded Maguire and team-mate Aiden McGeady “unprofessional” in response to the duo being pictured eating a McDonald's after a defeat at Gillingham.

McGeady now appears to be on the verge of leaving Sunderland, but Maguire is back in favour and has scored four times during Sunderland’s six-game unbeaten run.

“Chris’ ability does not change from one week to the next,” said Parkinson. “He’s got great ability, but like I’ve said in recent weeks, he’s starting to get fitter and that’s why he’s been able to play at a consistent level, it’s as simple as that.

“He’s a good player, he’s got good quality, good end product, but I think you can see from the stands that he was on a different level.

“I do feel this is only just the start of it, there’s more to come from him.”

Maguire scored the third and fourth goals of Saturday’s victory, which followed the previous week’s win against Lincoln City.

The scoring was opened by Charlie Wyke, who now has increased competition for his place in the form of Kyle Lafferty, the former Rangers striker who joined on Friday.

By the time Sunderland travel to MK Dons this weekend Parkinson may have made another addition to his squad.

He explained: “We’re more or less set in terms of players we want to bring in. The key is to make sure the squad is strong with the right amount of competition in all areas.

“We’ll be working on things early next week. Competition is so important it really is. We’ve got to make sure we’re covered in all areas.

“We’ve had an injury today to Flanno, but what a great sub to bring on in Lynchy. It is so important when players come out of the team that we don’t weaken it and that’s the aim of this transfer window.”

However, Parkinson ruled out a move for ex-Cardiff City striker Gary Madine, who is a free agent.

Gateshead-born Madine played under Parkinson at Bolton, but the manager said: “There’s nothing at the moment with Gaz. We’ve brought Lafferty in and we’ve got Charlie Wyke as well. We’ve got Will Grigg and Marc McNulty, so we’re starting to build some good competition at that top end.”

Lafferty was not signed in time to be involved against Wycombe, but he trained on Saturday morning.

“He has kept himself ticking over since his spell in Norway,” said Parkinson. “We brought him in last week for a physical assessment because I think that’s important when players have had a bit of down time.

“He looked good in the work we did with him, he’s a fit lad and is a player who has played on a big stage and is relishing the challenge of being part of this Sunderland squad.”