Sligo Rovers will look to overtake Bohemians in the Premier Division table when the Bit O’Red host the Gypsies at the Showgrounds on Friday night, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers, in eighth, sit two points off Alan Reynolds’ side who occupy sixth. John Russell’s charges are in good spirits following Sligo’s win over St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds and a draw in Galway, keeping clean sheets in both games.

In team news, Rovers will again be without John Mahon (achilles) and Nando Pijnaker (ribs). While Will Fitzgerald (foot) and Simon Power (groin) will also miss out again this weekend.

Max Mata has returned to Shrewsbury Town following the end of his loan spell.   

Rovers played out an entertaining score draw against Bohs on the opening night of the season at Dalymount Park. Reece Hutchinson and Fabrice Hartmann the scorers for the visitors on the night. 

Looking ahead to Friday’s tie, Russell has praised his team’s resolve despite the number of injuries the squad has had to deal with recently. 

He said: “I was delighted with the player’s reaction over the last few games. Particularly considering all the players unavailable to us. 

“We’ve now kept back to back clean sheets and we’ve shown a real improvement in our general play. I do feel there is a lot more to come from us this year which is exciting.”

Russell acknowledged the large red army who followed the team to Galway last Friday and he’s hoping for a big attendance at the Showgrounds this Friday. 

“The support we had last Friday in Galway was just immense. Our fans didn’t stop singing all night and the players feed off that. With Bohs coming to the Showgrounds this weekend we will need them right behind us again. 

“I am sure the supporters can see the fight and desire in this group of players and we will need to show that again to get a result on Friday.”