Preview: Rovers set to take on St Pat’s

Sligo Rovers are back in action on Friday night as we travel to Dublin to take on St Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park.

Rovers drew 0-0 with Waterford last Monday and go in search of a second away win of the season. The previous victory was against Finn Harps.

In team news, Ed McGinty has returned to training following a finger injury.

Ronan Murray serves the third of a four-game ban.

Liam Buckley said: “I think in recent matches the signs have been better. The weather scuppered it for both teams last Monday. We were looking for a performance again as in the first half of the Bohs game and beating Dundalk we have seen an improvement.

“The point on Monday was a fair result and the conditions made it difficult so on Friday we’d like to show what we can do a bit more.

“It’s great to have Ed back to add to the competition because there are three very good goalkeepers within our ranks and I want them all pushing each other for every game.

“This is an important game for both sides, we’re a point behind Pat’s and getting up the table is our priority.

“You can’t ask players to play Friday-Monday three times or eight games in a month, however you look at it, so over this period you will see changes by managers.

“That said, we’re adapting our training so we’re planning as best we can and the lads are really bought into what we’re trying to do. They are looking forward to this game and in the first meeting there was nothing really in it.

“I had great years at Pat’s. But going back there isn’t really on my mind on at all or a distraction because my only priority is getting the victory. That is all I’m focused on.

“There are a lot of people that I will be happy to see because of friendships built up over the years, but the challenge here is all that matters. It’s something I’m really enjoying; we’ve got a really good group of lads that want to bring success to this club and three points is all I’m concerned with.”