Baker a doubt for Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers will be looking for a victory to take them out of the relegation zone when they entertain Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds to night, kick-off 8pm.

Sean Doherty and Stephen Parkhouse may return to the Sligo squad as both will face late fitness tests ahead of the game, however, manager Paul Cook must plan without Mauro Almeida and Chris Butler.

For Rovers, Ian Bermingham (calf) remains sidelined, while there are doubts about Dessie Baker (hamstring), Sean Webb (back), Simon Madden (ankle), Corie Treacy (calf), Robert Duggan (rib) and Karl Coleman (thumb). Sean O’Connor is awaiting scan results.

“Sean’s been to hospital for a scan which will determine the full extent of the damage caused when he was hurt on Monday against St Pat’s,” said Hoops boss Michael O’Neill.

“It looked pretty nasty at the time, but we don’t think it’s too bad, really. We’re even hoping that he might come into contention for Saturday’s game against Sligo Rovers.”

O’Connor joined a lengthy list of injured members of the first team squad, but O’Neill is refusing to panic even though he admitted: “We’ve only 16 fit players at the moment.

“Some of the injuries could clear over the coming day or two, so it’s a question of being patient, treating the injuries as best we can and hoping players come through.

“This is going to be a very tricky game for us – Sligo are a lot better than their league position might indicate and they’ve got some great results. A win in Derry, for example.

“But we have beaten then already, and we know that we’re capable of winning the game. We’ll certainly be travelling in a positive frame of mind - we want those three points.”