Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior side go to Richmond Park this (Friday) evening as the Bit O’Red take on St Patrick’s Athletic looking to keep up our recent unbeaten record in Dublin. 

Kick-off in Inchicore is 7.45pm as Rovers seek to extend our run without defeat in the capital to four after wins this season at Dalymount Park and Tallaght Stadium, along with a draw at Tolka Park against Shels.

John Russell’s side are again without a number of first team players, although defender Sean Stewart and midfielder Carl McHugh are expected to return from injury. 

Ollie Denham is suspended having been sent off in Waterford last week. While Sean McHale, on loan from the Saints, is ineligible. 

Pat’s home form has been quite formidable this season, with seven wins from their ten games by the Camac. This includes a 4-1 win over Rovers back in early April.

“They’re a very tough side to play, particularly in front of their own fans, on their own patch”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“If you give them any space or chances, they’ll punish you so we need everyone on top form if we’re to have a chance in this one.

“We’re still short a few players and Sean and Ollie won’t be available so that means we need to shuffle the pack again. We’ve had time to prepare and set a game plan. We know it’ll be tough, they’re very strong and I’d expect them to be there or thereabouts come October. 

“We’re asking the players for a much better performance than last week. We need to show personality, apply our ideas to the game and take our opportunities when they arrive.”

David Goulden