Baraclough - We could have been better

Despite a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bray Wanderers at The Showgrounds at the weekend, Sligo Rovers boss Ian Baraclough felt his side could have performed better on the night.

Speaking to the assembled press, Baraclough was pleased with the result but feels his squad's performance showed that much improvement is still needed.

"It was a good result and it was deserved in the end but it was hard work at times and we knew it was going to be. I don't think we ever had it fully our own way against Bray but I thought we made our own problems tonight and I think there's a lot to go and work on still."

With a strong squad to choose from this season, the manager said that no one is guaranteed a spot in the starting line-up each week and everyone must play to the best of their abilities to earn their place.

"The players know that places aren't guaranteed, there's lads there who were left on the bench are disappointed but the three lads who came on made an impact and they know they are fighting for their places, no one can rest on their laurels and we have to make sure that everyone is at it every game. You aren't going to get the polished performance every week but I thought tonight we could have been a little bit better."

Although the champions are without players due through both long and short term injury problems, Ian still feels he has the strength in depth to cope in Oriel Park and that knocks picked up on Saturday won't keep the players out of Tuesday's fixture.

"I think we are ok (injury wise), Iarfhlaith Davoren will perhaps train on Monday but as far as tonight is concerned, Evan (McMillan) might have a sore head and Kieran Djilali might have a sore ankle but I don't see them being kept out for Tuesday. Gavin (Peers) coming off was a precaution, he felt a bit tight but would have played for the 90 minutes if he was needed."

He also gave updates on the injuries picked up by Joseph Ndo and Danny Ventre.

"He (Ndo) won't be right for Tuesday, his hand will probably need at least a couple of weeks to give the bone a chance to knit together, there is a crack in it but how bad it is and how long it keeps him out for we perhaps won't know for a couple of weeks.

"It's a case of taking it week by week and building his (Ventre) fitness up slowly, there is still a little bit of discomfort there in his leg but that is something he has got to get over mentally. He's been given the all clear, we have to build his fitness up slowly because if he does too much too soon, it might set him back so we have just got to be careful."