Baraclough plotting a shock in Slovakia

European gains is top of Ian Baraclough’s agenda as Sligo Rovers go into Europa League action tonight in Slovakia, where they are plotting an away victory.

Spartak Trnava stand in the way of the Bit O’Red and a place in the third qualifying round — not to mention another UEFA cheque worth €100,000 — and there is no fear about taking them on. The expectations around the city to the north-east of Bratislava is that Spartak should win tonight’s first leg, and that suits Baraclough just fine, as he is backing his Sligo side to cause an upset.

“It’s important we keep the tie alive going back to The Showgrounds next week. Getting an away goal would be an added bonus,” said Baraclough.