League of Ireland action returns this week following the March international break as Shelbourne are the visitors to the Showgrounds this Friday evening, kick-off 7.45pm. Sligo Rovers will look to end a run of two games without a win while the Dubliners will arrive in Sligo seeking a first victory since February 21st having registered three draws in their last four outings. 

In team news, Rovers will be without both Jake Doyle-Hayes and Connor Reynolds, both of whom are suspended. Doyle-Hayes serves the first of a three game ban following a red card issued to him in the aftermath of Rovers’ recent defeat to Derry. 

Reynolds will sit out a second game following a two game ban handed to him after he was sent off in Cork a few weeks ago.

Rovers will also be without Wilson Waweru and Stephen Mallon, but Owen Elding is in contention to be involved after he picked up a knock in the lead up to the Derry game. 

The Bit O’Red got the better of the 2024 champions in terms of head-to-head results last season. Damien Duff’s side beat Rovers in the first clash between the sides in March. But Sligo went on to twice beat Shels at home and away before picking up a well earned point in a scoreless draw at Tolka Park in September. 

Rovers boss John Russell is excited to be returning to action following the short break in competitive play. He oversaw a mid-season friendly win over Ballinamallard United last week and says his squad are eager to get back to league duty on Friday. 

“This is going to be a big test for us as any game against the reigning champions would be”, Russell says. 

“They have added in terms of bodies in the winter and they’ve added real quality whilst keeping hold of their big-game players. Not many clubs have the privilege of being able to do that. 

“They will have gathered a lot of experience having won the league last year and you have to expect that they’ll come to Sligo looking to win the game.  

“We’ve enjoyed the break and it’s given us time to reflect whilst also working on many aspects of our game. The players are extremely focused ahead of this one and they’re all looking forward to what is a big game for us. 

“We must now perform to our strengths. The players have all trained well and you can really see the connections being forged between them and that’s really pleasing. 

“We need our fans to come out again in big numbers and get behind the team from kick-off. Let’s create a big atmosphere and see where that takes us.”

Supporters are asked to note the change in game day from Rovers’ traditional Saturday night to Friday. 

David Goulden