Keane ruled out for Sligo

Sligo Rovers will be looking to maintain their defence of the trophy as they take on Monaghan United in the fourth round of the FAI Ford Cup at The Showgrounds tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers came up against Monaghan twice last season, winning 3-0 on the way to lifting the FAI Cup and 3-0 in the EA Sports Cup final.

Alan Keane is ruled out for Sligo due to a thigh problem, but otherwise manager Paul Cook has a full squad to choose from.

Rovers will be looking to bounce back after losing to Derry City on penalties in the EA Sports Cup semi-final during the week.

Cook said: “I did not come away from Tuesday night disillusioned. I thought we played very well for a lot of the game but we didn’t take our chances.

“That is something we must work on because if you don’t take your chances, you don’t win games.

“Roddy Collins will have Monaghan up for the challenge and they will not be afraid to take us on. We want to bring momentum into the next few weeks and everyone knows how important the FAI Cup is to Sligo Rovers.”

Monaghan boss Collins has a full squad to choose from apart from Conor McMahon who will not travel to Sligo.

Collins said: "From my point of view this game is coming at the right point of the season. Our side is playing with great confidence and displaying some excellent resilience.

"Although our main focus has been on the league, this cup tie is an added bonus. The lads are really looking forward to meeting Sligo.

"Sure they are impressive, but I believe that their main strength is also their main weakness. They love to play attacking football and for the most part they achieve their aim.

"I believe the way to beat them is to stop the supply and to take them on at their own game of playing attacking football."