Sligo chances hit by injuries

Inspired by their progression through a round of European competition for the first time in 20 years, with the club also enjoying a much-needed financial boost as a result, Sligo Rovers won’t be in awe of Norwegian giants Rosenborg FK this evening in the Europa League second qualifying round first leg at Trondheim’s Lerkendal Stadium (kick-off 6pm Irish time).

Sligo, 4-0 aggregate winners over Lithuanian outfit FK Banga in the last round, inspired by a storming 4-0 second-leg win at The Showgrounds last Thursday, could find their hopes of holding the experienced European competitors undermined by injuries with up to seven first team players possibly unavailable.

Winger Raffaele Cretaro is almost certain to miss the game — if not the rest of the campaign with a calf injury — while Joseph Ndo, Kalen Spillane, Ross Gaynor, John Russell and Aaron Greene are all doubtful.

Key defender Evan McMillan is suspended but Gavin Peers returns and Jeff Henderson gives Rovers their first-choice central defensive partnership.

Rosenborg feature two players from the recent World Cup – Costa Rica’s regular full-back Cristian Gamboa and USA squad member Mikkel Diskerud – with ex-Blackburn player Morten Gamst Perdersen also in their ranks.