Saints look for Setanta Cup lift

PETE MAHON is hoping for some of that fabled bouncebackability from his St Patrick’s Athletic side in their Setanta Cup semi-final first leg against Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Pats were shocked by struggling Drogheda United in the Airtricity League on Friday and their manager is looking for the right response tonight.

“I was bitterly disappointed with the manner of the defeat but we have to take it on the chin and move on,” says Mahon. “The sign of a good team is how they react to defeat and tonight will be a big test for us.

“Sligo have a good team and a good manager. They beat us comprehensively 2-0 at the end of last season and they’ve added quality players to their squad since then.’’

Paul Cook’s side are fourth in the Airtricity League, unbeaten in their first seven games. But tonight they will be without Iarflaith Davoren who is still struggling with a hamstring injury that he picked up against Drogheda.

The left-back missed the games against Dundalk and Bray Wanderers and it will be at least a further week before he returns to action.

Rovers also have doubts over goalkeeper Richard Brush (knee ligaments) and Gary McCabe (ankle) with both players substituted in the win over Bray Wanderers on Friday night.

Recent signing Joseph N’do is ineligible for the game having played for Bohemians in the competition earlier in the season but the club are hopeful the Cameroon international will line out for the Bit o’ Red once the issue over his work permit is resolved.