Sligo sweating on Ndo fitness

SLIGO ROVERS are hopeful Joseph Ndo will be fit for Sunday’s FAI Ford Cup final against Shelbourne at the Aviva Stadium.

Ex-Cameroon international Ndo, man of the match in last year’s penalty shootout decider with Shamrock Rovers, has been troubled by a hamstring strain.

However, manager Paul Cook was quietly confident when speaking at the holders’ cup final press day that Ndo would be fit after the 35-year-old midfielder did some light training yesterday morning.

Despite amassing a record points tally in finishing runners-up to champions Shamrock Rovers in the league, Cook says it would be a very disappointing season if Sligo didn’t retain their trophy.

“We’d be sick, we’d be devastated,” said Cook. “It’s a competitive league and if we win the FAI Cup, we’ll have had to beat Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians to do so.

“To win trophies is difficult. When you look back on it, you are desperate to win something. But on the back of that you have to realise that desperation won’t win you the cup.

“We have to settle into the game and do the things we are good at. But as everyone knows there are shocks in football.

“Is Shelbourne beating Sligo a shock? Not a huge one. Shelbourne have a very, very strong team and good players. But like last year, if our lads can go there and perform on the day, I’d like to think we would win the game.”

Cook said only what happens in the future will determine whether his turning down a move to SPL side St. Johnstone last week was right or wrong. “Only time will tell,” said Cook who has two years on his Sligo contract to run. The important thing now is that we focus on the final. ”