Trio missing for Rovers in tonight's banner clash
Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers go head to head in tonight’s top of the table clash at Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 8.00pm.
A victory for Rovers would almost certainly finish Sligo’s league challenge as Paul Cook’s side would fall eight points behind the leaders.
The Hoops must plan without Dean Kelly (groin), Conor McCormack (knee) and Ken Oman (knee).
Billy Dennehy is struggling with a groin problem and may miss out on tonight’s clash.
Gary Twigg is set to return to the Rovers starting line-up after missing the midweek victory over UCD, while new signings Rohan Ricketts and Jim Paterson could be in line to make their home debuts.
Rovers boss Michael O’Neill said: “This is a big game for both teams. For us, it gives us a chance to put a good gap between ourselves and Sligo at the top of the table.
“We have a very good record against Sligo recently and we’ll be looking to keep that going.
“We were disappointed with the last result away to them, but the players reacted brilliantly to that, and have done excellent since.
“We won the last league game here at home, and will be looking to repeat that in this tie.”
The Bit o’ Red have a fully fit squad to choose from with no injury or suspension concerns.
Alan Keane is available after a substitute appearance last week, meaning the former Galway man, Joseph Ndo, John Russell and Raffaele Cretaro will compete for place on the Rovers right side.
Rovers were beaten 1-0 in their last league meeting in Tallaght Stadium, though Paul Cook’s side claimed a 2-0 win against Rovers in The Showgrounds in June.
Sligo boss Cook said: “It’s a good challenge and it’s one we’re really looking forward to. I think this is the type of game you love to be involved in.
“When you don’t put chances away you don’t win games. I thought we were the better side against Derry (last week) and we were punished. There are no complaints about that. I remember a game last year in Tallaght where we lost 1-0 and we played them off the park. So we know what we have to do.
“I look at our players and I think they are in good form and they will relish a game like this. We’ll bring a big crowd, our away support has been magnificent all year and I’m confident we can get a result."
