Sligo Rovers host Shelbourne on Saturday night at The Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

The game will be Rovers’ second at home in the space of seven days following last weekend’s narrow 1-0 defeat against Dundalk at the same venue following former player Keith Ward’s late header which sealed the points.

The Bit O’ Red had two or three good chances in front of goal on the night and will feel hard done by to come away with nothing from a game which was fairly evenly contested throughout.

Manager John Russell is glad to be back at The Showgrounds once again this weekend:

‘’We were all disappointed not to take something from the game last weekend.

‘’We created some good chances in both halves but, unfortunately we couldn’t convert one of those and then we conceded a poor goal late on.

‘’Tonight gives us the perfect opportunity to try and bounce back. We all know we’re down a few bodies through injury at the moment, but I always look at the positives.

‘’For me, it’s an opportunity for others to grab the jersey and do well. We’ve shown that our squad is strong so it’s important we embrace the challenge ahead’’.

Supporters will be able to welcome back members of the 1997/98 League Cup winning side to The Showgrounds for the first time, 25 years on from their great win over Shelbourne over two legs.

The squad will be in attendance at the game on Saturday as they have a reunion weekend in Sligo.

Russell is keen for another large attendance to get to The Showgrounds and get behind the lads:

‘’The crowds have been building all season and we’re hoping for another big turnout tonight.

‘’We need everybody getting behind the team and hopefully the players can deliver a top performance’’.

In team news, Rovers continue to be without their long-term absentees and will now face fresh concerns over John Mahon, Fabrice Hartmann, Max Mata, Eanna Clancy, Niall Morahan and James Finnerty.

Greg Bolger could return, and Bogdan Vastsuk came through last week’s game over Dundalk with no concerns following a recent injury and is fit to start if required this weekend.

Turnstiles open at 6.30pm and with this being a Category B fixture, tickets are priced at €15 for Adults, €10 for Senior Citizens or Students/Over 12’s and €5 for Under 12’s.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/ or on the night at the turnstiles.