Match day sponsor: Foley’s Bar, Sligo. 

Match ball sponsor: Sligo branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club. 

Darren Purse has outlined how important it is for him to take a look at both fringe and younger players within his squad as title chasing St Patrick’s Athletic come to town this Saturday, kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm. 

Eleven points adrift with five games to go, Purse has reiterated his desire for his side to keep plugging away in the search for points. 

Maintaining our Premier Division status looks a challenge unlikely to be succeeded at this point and with a nod to next season, Purse says it’s important to take a look at the likes of recent debutants Liam Hughes, Aidan Gabbidon and Reuben Gillespie. 

Ballina man Gillespie didn’t look out of place in midfield on his first senior appearance in Drogheda. 

While Hughes and Gabbidon also had a taste of first team action, on Monday against Galway. 

“If we’re going to prep for next season, whatever league we’re in, I need to look at players and give them opportunities”, Purse explains. 

“You won’t know unless you give them the chance. 

“With the likes of three boys, we have a good idea of where they are at now and blooding young lads shows me where I need to look recruitment wise for next season. 

“We have a few players out for Saturday so it gives us a chance to see the fringe players and as I say, it helps to plan for next year in terms of who we want to stay on and where we need to strengthen. 

“I had hoped to have a few back last week but for one reason or other, they’re not quite ready.

“That’s just where we’re at. But I don’t think we’ll have too many back for Pat’s.”

Stephen Kenny’s Saints go into this weekend’s game top of the league following a trouncing of Dundalk at Oriel Park on Monday. 

They have one game extra played in comparison to fellow hopefuls Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians and Purse knows what his players are up against as the Dubliners look to keep ahead of their neighbours and rivals. 

“They’re similar to someone like Bohs, where they are very good in possession and can really hurt you with their quality and we need to be alive to that. 

“If we perform to the levels that we performed at on Monday, then we give ourselves a chance. 

“We have five games left now so I just want us to give it a go. 

“The levels need to be maintained and I think we get the rub of the green, we’ll win games. 

“If penalty decisions go our way at either end of the field on Monday, then you’re looking at a different game.”

After Saturday’s game comes a three week break which also encompasses the international break. 

“It gives us time to recover and for players to show they’re fit and willing to fight to get into the team”, Purse continues. 

“We’ll asses where we are after Saturday and I think the players will have some time off. 

“You look at how small our squad is, players need it. But it also gives us a chance to put in some good work and try and make a real fist of the last few games.” 

David Goulden 

Quotes courtesy of Ryan Davey.