Sport

Champions aiming to put an end to Sligo's challenge

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEW: OPENING AN even bigger margin between themselves and the perceived main rivals for their throne with…

PAUL BUTTNER
Fri Sept 09 2011 - 01:00

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEW:OPENING AN even bigger margin between themselves and the perceived main rivals for their throne with a victory at Tallaght Stadium tonight would end a very good week for Shamrock Rovers.

In third place, five points behind the champions and current leaders, and with a game more played, Sligo Rovers know defeat in west Dublin will surely end their quest for a first title in 34 years.

“This is a big game for both teams,” said Shamrock Rovers’ manager Michael O’Neill. “It gives us a chance to put a good gap between ourselves and Sligo at the top of the table.”

“We were disappointed with the last result away to them, but the players reacted brilliantly to that, and have been excellent since. We won the last league game here at home, and will be looking to repeat that in this tie.”

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Winger Billy Dennehy, who scored a hat-trick in Monday’s 6-0 FAI Cup win at UCD, is O’Neill’s chief doubt due to a groin strain.

Conor McCormack, Ken Oman and Dean Kelly all remain out with injury. Pat Flynn returns from suspension while recent signings, Jim Paterson and Rohan Ricketts, are also back available for selection.

Sligo right back Alan Keane is ready to start after his substitute appearance against Derry last week, giving manager Paul Cook a fully fit squad to bring to Dublin.

“It’s a good challenge and it’s one we’re really looking forward to,” said Cook. “I look at our players and I think they are in good form . . . I’m confident we can get a result.”

Derry host UCD looking to extend their unbeaten run to 15 games. Gareth McGlynn is still injured, while Owen Morrison has a calf strain which will require a fitness test. College travel without their suspended captain, Michael Leahy and injured quartet Michael Harding (groin), Danny Ledwith (illness), Ciarán Nangle (Shin) and striker Cillian Morrison (hip).

Dundalk manager Ian Foster is again without long-term injured trio Eoghan Osborne, Stephen McDonnell and Stephen Maher. Greg Bolger is suspended, while winger Ross Gaynor is a doubt due to an ankle injury. St Patrick’s Athletic manager Pete Mahon hopes key defender Evan McMillan and winger Seán O’Connor will shake off knocks in time to be fit to start against Bray Wanderers.