Shamrock Rovers are tonight’s visitors to the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team take on last year’s Premier Division champions, this evening, Friday at 7.45pm.
Supporters are asked to note the change of game day. This game was moved from Saturday due to Rovers facilitating the Hoops’ Champions League qualifier against Floriana on Tuesday next.
Match day sponsor for tonight’s ‘clash of the Rovers’ are supporters group Vintage Reds, while the match ball is kindly sponsored by Amcor Flexibles, Finisklin.
This will be the third game between the sides this season as Rovers seek a first win in five, the last of which came against the Tallaght side in late May.
Stephen Bradley’s outfit beat Sligo at the Showgrounds back in March. While that late win in Dublin last month arrived courtesy of a memorable late strike from Carl McHugh after Jeannot Esua (pictured) had levelled things following a Sean McHale own goal, which opened Shams’ lead early on.
In team news, and as of Friday morning, Rovers remain without long term injured Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds.
Ciaron Harkin is also injured.
Kevin Zefi is likely to miss out for the same reason, while James McManus faces a late fitness test although John Russell is confident the Bohs loanee will make it.
Seb Quirk should be fit to take part in this game if so required after he made the bench against Shelbourne last week. Midfielder Quirk hasn’t featured since picking up a hamstring injury in a stalemate with Derry two months ago.
Archie Meekison was brought in late on in last week’s game, as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, another boost for Russell.
“Seb was one of the best players in the league before he picked up his injury”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.
“He was consistently putting in great performances for us in the middle and we’re delighted he’s back ahead of schedule. Initially, we’d feared it’d be late July before he came back so it’s a big addition to our group to have him back. It’ll take him a little while to get back up to speed but we’re a stronger side now he’s back again.”
Shamrock Rovers come to Sligo on the back of just one defeat in their last five, having seen off Galway in Tallaght last week.
Russell knows to expect a big test against the league leaders and current title favourites and doesn’t expect their focus to be anywhere else on Friday night.
“You would imagine they’ll have a few games in Europe coming up given that they should have enough to beat Floriana”, he continues.
“But no matter the team they’ll put out, they’ll be looking to maintain their points difference at the top. Even if they were to rest a few, they’re still formidable.
“But I’ve seen enough from us particularly in stages against Pat’s and Shels that proves we have it in us to get something Friday night.”
David Goulden