Sligo Rovers without experienced campaigners for Rosenborg clash

Sligo Rovers will be without four experienced European campaigners for tonight’s tie away to Rosenborg in Norway.

Playmaker Joseph Ndo, defender Jeff Henderson, and attackers Aaron Greene and Raffaele Cretaro all remained behind in Ireland nursing injuries, as Rovers travelled to Norway for the second time in less than 12 months.

This time last year they lost 2-0 to current Norwegian league-leaders Molde in a Champions League qualifier second leg. But the Irish side are away first time around for this evening’s game at the 21-000 capacity Lerkendal Stadium (kick-off 6pm Irish time) in the Europa League second round.

Rovers have already knocked out Lithuanian side FK Banga 4-0 on aggregate in the previous round, but boss John Coleman sees no comparisons between the two challenges, and says his side can win away from home.

“I think it will be very different and I’m not sure there is much we can learn from the game in Lithuania.

“For one, the standard of the opposition is going to be different, and two, the atmosphere and the pitch are going to be different.

“But we are prepared. We have done our homework and know quite a bit about Rosenborg.

“We came home from FK Banga desperately disappointed that we didn’t get an away goal and I’d feel the same if we don’t get one in Norway