Sligo Rovers’ FAI Cup journey begins this Saturday as our men’s side travel to Pearse Stadium in Limerick to take on local district league side Janesboro in the second round of this year’s men’s competition.

Kick-off at the Colbert Avenue venue is 4.30pm as the Bit O’Red hope to make a mark on the 106th edition of a competition the club has proudly won five times. 

The sides were paired together in the draw, which was conducted earlier this month, after Janesboro overcame Tipperary town side St Michael’s after extra-time at Cooke Park.

Rovers will be managed on the day by Ryan Casey following John Russell’s exit from the club earlier this week. 

In team news and as of Friday morning, Jad Hakiki, Kevin Zefi and Conor Reynolds are injured and therefore miss out. 

Midfield pair Daire Patton and Ciaron Harkin will be given late fitness tests. 

Seb Quirk will be available but will miss next week’s league meeting with Drogheda having been sent off in Galway last week. 

Rovers face the novelty of playing two games in as many weeks at different grounds with the same name but in different locations.

Casey knows that being the League of Ireland side places Sligo as natural favourites for this game and says the players have shown a ‘business as usual’ attitude following recent developments. 

“It’s been a week of a few changes but we move on. The players have prepped well and we’re looking forward to going to Limerick and hopefully getting through to the next round”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“Everyone knows how close the FAI Cup is historically to the club and we’d love to get the ball rolling on another good run.

“I’d expect Janesboro to have a nothing to lose attitude. Limerick junior football is traditionally strong and we expect a test, certainly.

“It’s a Saturday afternoon kick-off, a huge game and we hope that we have plenty travelling with us to see us through.” 

David Goulden