Sligo Rovers head in Saturday night’s huge game against champions Dundalk with doubts over goalkeeper Michael Schlingermann, who picked up a ground injury following their 5-1 humiliation in Limerick. He will have a late fitness test prior to kick-off.
Midfielder Liam Martin returns after suspension to bolster the Englishman’s squad.
Manager Dave Robertson said on the club’s website: “We reviewed the Limerick game and watched it back as a group. There were individual errors for goals and we didn’t perform to a level that we needed. You can’t just write off a 5-1 defeat but what you can do is look at what we can control from now on.”
“We have tried to remain positive and for the players to keep believing in themselves. The message approaching Saturday is to focus on what we need to do from the first whistle.
“The natural reaction after last week was disappointment and we have tried to raise their spirits but as the week has gone on the players have lifted their own spirits too.
“Every game is different and certainly the three-in-a-row champions coming to town raises eyebrows. It’s our first home game of the season and I think as always our players will give all they can and it’s important that the home support get behind them.
“This is the start of our Showgrounds campaign and I think we can get a positive result to get us off the mark.”
Robertson said of his Liam Martin’s return: “Liam gives us energy, pressing, his work-rate is always at the highest level and it’s very positive to have him back in the squad.”
Sligo need a performance in front of their own supporters, as performances like last week’s in Limerick will see the club in huge danger going forward, especially with three clubs being relegated at the end of the season.
It will be difficult, as three-in-a-row champions Dundalk head to the Showgrounds in good form following their 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in Oriel Park.