Preston North End frontman Sean Maguire on how he is adapting to isolation

With football shutdown for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus pandemic, possibly until later in the summer, players are having to stay in shape away from the training ground.

Maguire has bought gym equipment and a spin bike to help him do that, as well as hitting the road for a jog in line with Government advice on going out.

The Irishman has urged everyone to stay safe and do their bit to help slow the spread of Covid-19, in doing so helping the NHS cope with the immense pressure it is under.

“It is a strange situation for everyone to be in, whatever you do for a living,” Maguire told the Lancashire Post.

“As footballers, what we are doing is almost like the work you do before pre-season.

“With the rule about being able to go out for exercise once a day, sometimes it will be just myself and my girlfriend taking the dog for a walk.

“Other times I’ll go for a run, whether that be 5km or whatever.

“Last week I bought some gym equipment – a spin bike and weights bench.

“I’ve always wanted to get my own home gym so this was the perfect chance to start.

“I’m doing two forms of exercise a day as well as getting out for a run on the roads.

“Road running takes some getting used to, it doesn’t replicate the running you do on the pitch but it’s a good way of keeping fit.”

The PNE players are in frequent contact with the club, as well as one another.

Their last game was on March 7 against QPR, with the season halted on March 13, the day before they were due to face Luton away.

Maguire said: “As a squad we keep in touch via Whatsapp and Snapchat.

“It’s mainly about fitness, making sure we don’t do too much or too little.

“Our fitness coach Tom Little is in contact every three or four days, it’s important we keep fit and don’t fall off the edge.

“We don’t know when we are going to be back but the gaffer wants everyone ready for when we eventually start.

“When this is all over football will be a massive part in people’s lives straight away and we want to be prepared.

“The important thing is for everyone to follow the advice the Government is giving.

“There are a few people who seem to be treating this as a holiday and aren’t taking it as serious as they should.

“This virus is killing people, it has to be taken seriously so we can help the NHS.

“If that means only leaving the house when you really have to, it has to be done. It is tough but this can bring everyone together.”