Sligo Rovers host Shamrock Rovers tomorrow night (Saturday) at The Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
The game will be our first in over two weeks after defeat to Derry City at The Brandywell on September 13th.
Shamrock Rovers have played four games in that period, losing to Gent in the Europa Conference League and to Derry City in The FAI Cup three days later before a 0-0 draw with Shelbourne and an important win over UCD at Tallaght Stadium on Monday last, both in the League.
Rovers are in fifth position in the table with six games remaining while the visitors sit on top of the league, five points ahead of Derry City.
The Bit O’ Red had two players away on International duty over the International Window with Nando Pijnaker playing for New Zealand in two friendly games against Australia in Brisbane and Auckland.
Luke McNicholas returned to the club early from representing Ireland Under 21’s after picking up an ankle injury in training. The injury will see McNicholas ruled out for the remainder of the season. This will see either Richard Brush or Conor Walsh brought into the team in his place, with Brush having made three appearances so far in 2022, helping Rovers to two wins in those three games.
Manager John Russell looks forward to the game:
‘’We’re all looking forward to getting back out in front of our home fans tomorrow night.
‘’We know Shamrock Rovers will be a tough test. They sit on top of the table for a reason but our players are ready for the challenge ahead.
‘’With only three home games remaining we’re expecting a big crowd and hopefully the players can put on a top performance’’.
In team news, Luke McNicholas and Garry Buckley are out through injury. Buckley had surgery on an ACL in the past few days and now begins his road to recovery. Mark Byrne is also ruled out long term. Scans have shown damage to his ACL following what was thought as a minor knock picked up in training.
Seamas Keogh returned in a friendly against Galway United last Friday and will be part of the squad this weekend. Greg Bolger limped off in the game but is expected to be fit to play against his former club.
The club’s Annual Draw for 2022 will take place at half-time. There is €5000 to be won in our draw and tickets will be available on the night or also online until 6pm tomorrow via the following link: