McGuinness returns for visit of St Pat's

Sligo Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic meet in a televised battle of the two unbeaten sides left in the league and a massive crowd is expected at the Showgrounds tonight.

The Bit O’Red exited the Setanta Sports Cup after extra-time and will look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier Division while St Pat’s were impressive in defeating UCD last Friday.

Sligo Rovers have a doubt over Alan Keane (knee) but Jason McGuinness has returned to training and is back in the squad.

Rovers manager Ian Baraclough is excited at the prospect of the game.

Baraclough said: "These are the games you want to be involved in where you’re top of the league and the cameras are coming down. This one game will not decide who wins honours this year, it is just three points but it is a match we want to win.

"St Pat’s will play their own game and I expect it to be a good game."

St Pat’s striker Stephen O’Flynn has a slight thigh strain but the rest of their squad is available.

Their manager Liam Buckley said: "Sligo have started the season impressively, and have continued to producing a really decent brand of football since Paul Cook has left.

"Ian has come in at short notice and done a fantastic job to have his side at the top and still unbeaten. We’re really looking forward to the challenge though, and similarly, we’ll be trying to remain unbeaten."