RETURNING forward Dan Maguire believes in-form York City should fear no one ahead of a "massive" game at Chester.

A summer signing from Blyth Spartans, Maguire made his first appearance after a 14-game absence during the 2-0 FA Cup win over Stockport County on Saturday.

Though an excellent victory over higher-tier opposition, Maguire also insists it is not the sole source of confidence for the Minstermen.

"I think it's confidence through the season, not just one game," he explained.

"Obviously it was only really my second game, the Stockport game, but the lads have been excellent for the whole of the season.

"I think it's the momentum from pre-season all the way that keeping us going.

"It's a massive game against Chester. They're our nearest rivals at the moment.

"It's going to be a hard game.

"It's a hard place to go, but with the way we're playing at the moment, we shouldn't fear anybody."

Maguire played 70 minutes of the fourth qualifying round tie before being replaced by Paddy McLaughlin. After the match, both manager Steve Watson and centre-back Sean Newton praised the nippy attacker for a performance which belied his lengthy lay-off. He had a near-post effort early on and played a key continuous role in occupying and stretching the Hatters' defence.

"I'm not the biggest so I like to put myself about and harass people," he said.

"Apart from not scoring, I thought I did alright.

"As long as I'm playing and the team's winning, I'm not bothered what I'm doing to be honest. As long as we're all playing well, winning and aiming for what we want to be doing at the end of the season, I'm happy.

He added: "When I joined back in with the lads, I felt ready to go straight away and I think that's why the gaffer put me back in.

"It's good to be back on the pitch.

"I've got to thank the club for getting my operation sorted and (physios) Buster (Ian Gallagher) and Paddy for doing my rehab.

"I felt good.

"Towards 50, 60 minutes, I could tell it was my first game back after a couple of months.

"It was like coming back for pre-season so I let the gaffer know I was blown.

"It was good to get it in the lungs and it'll do us no harm."

Watson has said the squad enjoys having Maguire around the training pitch - and the feeling is mutual, it seems.

On working with Watson and Micky Cummins, Maguire said: "Everything's positive and training's good.

"The team this season, everyone's buzzing and heading in the right direction so it's a great atmosphere to be in."

Meanwhile, on the field, Maguire's closest colleagues at the spearhead of the attack are Jordan Burrow and Alex Kempster.

He added: "Playing up front with Jord and Kemps, it's great, we're all chipping in and I don't think anyone's bothered who scores as long as we're winning and scoring.

"We all push each other in the right direction."

Like his team-mates, Maguire is aware of the competition in the squad. Asked if he felt he had done enough to merit a place in Saturday's side, he said: "I would like to think I've done quite well but it's down to the gaffer.

"He picks the team per game and no place is granted.

"You've got to be at your best."