Rampant Rovers bid for fourth victory of season over Sligo

SHAMROCK ROVERS will be looking to make it four wins out of four against Sligo Rovers this season when they meet at Tallaght Stadium in the Airtricity League Premier Division this evening.

Two wins in the Setanta Cup and a 1-0 league victory at the Showgrounds provided the Hoops with some measure of consolation for the Cup final defeat to Sligo last season.

However, Sligo won’t be lacking in confidence in Dublin, Paul Cook’s side having seen off Derry City 3-0 in the north-west derby to leave them in fourth.

“We showed a side of the game that we haven’t been doing well in, that is being ugly, winning the ball back and being competitive and defending,” said Cook.

Gary Twigg and Stephen O’Donnell (both hamstrings injuries) remain out of the Rovers ranks while there is a slight chance that Chris Turner (calf) and Craig Sives (hamstring) may return to Hoops squad. Sligo Rovers will be without suspended Gavin Peers but Paul Cook has no injury concerns.

Meanwhile the big game of the night in the First Division sees Cork City and Longford Town go head-to-head at Turner’s Cross, the prize on offer being the chance to overtake Shelbourne at the top.

Goalkeeper Mark McNulty is suspended for Cork following his red card in the 5-1 win over Salthill Devon and will be replaced by James McCarthy while skipper Greg O’ Halloran is doubtful with a knee injury. But Derek O’ Brien is available.

Cork boss Tommy Dunne is not surprised to find Longford level on points with his side in second place.

“At the start of the season I tipped Longford as one of the teams capable of challenging and I don’t think too many people would have agreed with me,” he said. “But they are a capable side and I think they have every chance of maintaining that form over the season.’’