Sligo Rovers look to bounce back against resurgent Rebels

Leaders Sligo Rovers travel to Turner’s Cross tonight to face a Cork City side who are boosted by their first win of the season, having hammered Monaghan 6-0 last time out.

Rovers lost their unbeaten record in all competitions when they went down 2-0 to Crusaders in the Setanta Sports Cup semi-final first leg on Monday, but Ian Baraclough’s side are still on course to finish the first round of Premier Division fixtures unbeaten.

City pair Jamie Murphy (ankle) and John Dunleavy (knee) are both doubts but long-term absentees Stephen Mulcahy and Kevin Murray have each returned to training.

Neal Horgan is also close to a return to training.

Sligo Rovers defender Jason McGuinness is a doubt with a shoulder problem. Pascal Millien is in the squad and there are no other injury or suspension concerns.

Cork City boss Tommy Dunne said: "Sligo have had an excellent start to the season, and are the early pace-setters, so we know they will provide tough opposition.

"I watched their game against Derry, and they have quality all over pitch. From our point of view, it is good to be playing quality opposition who will challenge us and help us to improve."

Sligo Rovers boss Ian Baraclough called on his side to show the character required to bounce back.

"Losing at Crusaders was a disappointment but the players are keen for Friday night because we have got a bunch of characters that hate losing," he said.

"It hurts them and they will want the chance to get back to it. I’ll be looking for an improvement and we’ll be in good spirits travelling down to Cork."