New signing Ciaron Harkin is in line for his Sligo Rovers debut as Shelbourne are the visitors to the Showgrounds, this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Midfielder Harkin joined Rovers this week and is manager John Russell’s sixth new addition of the window.

In team news, Rovers are without Ryan O’Kane who is ineligible due to the terms of his loan from Saturday’s opponents.

Ronan Manning faces a late fitness test.

Both Francely Lomboto and Jake Doyle-Hayes have left the club.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the weekend’s clash, Russell says the dressing room is focused on picking up a fourth win on the spin following on from recent victories over Derry City Dundalk and most recently, Cork City last Friday night.

“We’ve had a bit of movement within the squad with both Jake and Francely moving on but that’s happened here before and we move on also.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how Ciaron settles in and we’ve no doubt he’ll be a big player for us.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us against Shels. We’re playing the current champions and that always means a big test but we’re all looking forward to another game in front of our fans.”

Shels were knocked out of the Champions League qualifying stages by Qarabag this week, travelling back from Azerbaijan mid-week. Russell feels Rovers will face an injured animal in the shape of the Dubliners.

“They had a tough two games against Qarabag, but I’m sure they learned loads. Yes, they had to travel but they have a big squad that’s more than capable of dealing with the rotation required.

“They’ll look to come here and get back on track but again, we’re in good form and we have our eyes on a good result here on Saturday.

“We were nowhere near our standards in the first half against Cork last week. Second half, we woke up and applied ourselves really well. We’re looking for those high levels again against Shels.”

David Goulden