Sligo Rovers return to action on Sunday in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division as they venture to Dublin to take on Shelbourne in Tolka Park, kick-off 5pm.

After a two-week break, the Bit O’ Red resume the final stages of the league against a side just three points behind in the table.

That difference came from a 2-1 win for Rovers back in August as Jesse Devers and David Cawley scored in The Showgrounds.

In team news, Kyle Callan-McFadden serves a one-game suspension. Regan Donelon (groin) and Ronan Murray (toe) are doubtful.

Danny Kane returned to training this week. He’s unlikely to feature on Sunday and more likely will be in contention next week. The news is better for Sigitas Olberkis who is back involved after a hamstring injury. 

Johnny Dunleavy is out with a knee injury. There are no other injury concerns.

Liam Buckley said: “After two weeks, we’re really eager it because there is a lot to play for in the season. If you even just look at the teams we have to face, Shelbourne need a result to secure their safety, Cork are looking for that one win to move them up off the bottom and Dundalk are looking to seal a European spot. That’s just one example and it really is all to play for in every game in the league.

“There is a reward there for us, for all of our effort, if we can produce a run of results in these matches. We’ve got the FAI Cup as well so it could be up to six games I hope. We’re in the mix for the things we want to be in and that’s what you want at this stage of the season. We’re looking for one result on Sunday and then see where it can leave us.

“Over the two weeks we have had time on the training pitch, rejigging and working on a couple of things. We’re aware there are prizes on offer still for all of the teams in the table, be it avoiding relegation, European places. It’s going to take a gigantic effort over the next month or so but we’ve shown we’re capable of putting results together.

“There wasn’t much in it in the game earlier in the season. We came out on top by the one goal and Shelbourne have been a hard opponent for every side this campaign. It’ll be a tough game. But as I said, there’s lots on the line and we go there knowing the result we want.”

Out: Kyle Callan-McFadden (suspended), Danny Kane (lack of match fitness), Johnny Dunleavy (knee)

Doubtful: Regan Donelon (groin), Ronan Murray (toe)

The match is live on WATCHLOI and OceanFM

‘What’s the story with this wall?’ has been a prominent question over the last ten days with Sligo Rovers supporters since the launch of the new Bit O’ Red Wall.

The black granite tile, which you can have you or your family’s names engraved, will be placed behind The Treacy Avenue Stand outside the player’s tunnel in the ground. Supporters have been quick to snap up their tiles in the last week and demand is growing.

Chief executive of Sligo Rovers, Colin Feehily, said: “The reaction has been really good actually. People are very interested and it’s getting supporters thinking about what they could have on them. So far, the majority of sales have been as Christmas and birthday presents, or families wanting to show their support and having their own family tile.

“We have had supporters in America, Australia and the UK all taking tiles through our online store.

“A couple of people have also got one to remember a loved one who passed on, but it’s not just a ‘memorial wall’, it’s very much a wall for supporters past or present and it’s something that will continue to grow over the years.”

Buy your Bit O’ Red wall tile here

This initiative is another way the club are looking to improve the overall look of The Showgrounds and follows on from the recent outdoor museum launch which took place in October.

Tiles are available from The Showgrounds office, or at Barton Smiths in town where the club have their annual Christmas Shop set up for the festive period.

The club have put together a gift pack in which supporters buying presents can take to give to the person they’ve bought for.

Tiles cost €100 and there is no end date, the wall will be there for many years to come and it really gives Bit O’ Red Supporters the chance to have their own spot in the ground.