League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Bohemians

SLIGO ROVERS 

Sligo Rovers boss John Russell welcomes Bohemians to the Showgrounds on Friday night in front of the RTE TV cameras (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red sit two points off Alan Reynolds’ side who occupy sixth but have picked up four points in their last two games - a win against St Pat’s and a draw against Galway United. 

But Sligo will again be without John Mahon (achilles) and Nando Pijnaker (ribs). While Will Fitzgerald (foot) and Simon Power (groin) will also miss out again this weekend.

“I was delighted with the player’s reaction over the last few games. Particularly considering all the players unavailable to us,” Russell said. 

“We’ve now kept back to back clean sheets and we’ve shown a real improvement in our general play. I do feel there is a lot more to come from us this year which is exciting.”

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be boosted heading into Friday’s trip to Sligo with the signing of experienced defender Jake Carroll.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic full-back returns to League of Ireland football after a decade in England and Scotland where he amassed over 200 appearances most notably with Hartlepool United, Cambridge United and Motherwell.

And Carroll said: “I am delighted, it has been a long time coming. I’ve been with the group a while now, so it is great to finally get it done.

“There’s a really good group here, a good mix of youth and experience, and they have been really good with me.

“I have had some good conversations with the manager and with Stevie O’Donnell too since he’s come in. There is a really good group and structure here, including the medical staff who have been brilliant with me since I came in.

“It was a difficult injury that I had, and I have worked tirelessly to get back from it. When you have an injury like that, it is important to have confidence in your medical team and that’s what I have had here since I’ve come in.”

Referee: Gavin Colfer. 

PREDICTION 

Sligo Rovers 2-0 Bohemians

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Will Fitzgerald, Simon Power. 

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall.  

Doubtful: None.

Suspended:None.