Sligo Rovers take on Waterford FC in The Showgrounds on Saturday night in the SSE Airtricity League.

Rovers are searching for their first points of the season on the back of an encouraging display against Bohemians which ended in an unfortunate 2-0 defeat. 

In team news, John Mahon (broken leg), Lewis Banks (thigh), Regan Donelon (shoulder) and Danny Kane (foot) are out.

Johnny Dunleavy is doubtful with a knee problem.

Ryan De Vries is awaiting work permit and international clearance. 

Liam Buckley said: “I thought the score didn’t reflect the game on Monday. We had enough balls in the box and openings to score and it didn’t fall for us. 

“We needed to score at 1-0 when we were on top for most of the second half and unfortunately it didn’t happen. 

“We deserved a draw at least, if not shading it, but that doesn’t count for a lot now. 

“We’ve got to repeat a lot of the performance and turn it into a result because if we show the same passion and desire and quality on the ball then we will win matches, I have no doubt about that. 

“This is a big game, there’s no denying that, and for both sides because this league is going to be so difficult to pick up points every week. 

“You have to turn up, you have to be at it or you’ll end up beaten. I wanted us to start the season better and we haven’t done so, so you have to step up and dig as deep as you can. 

“Alex Cooper had a very good debut on Monday, Will Seymore moved up into midfield, we appreciated the change of shape certainly. 

“Weather conditions are going to be difficult again and it’ll be a tight game. We’ve got to make sure we’re ready to face all of what is to come and get ourselves going from the start.”