Derry City manager Ruahidhri Higgins
City, after a generally excellent second half of the season, have faltered in the past month.
A loss to Drogheda has been followed by three successive draws and they surrendered fourth spot to Bohemians last weekend.
Manager Ruaidhri Higgins acknowledged after the draw in Donegal against Finn Harps that their form had “taken a dip” but attributed to the “the same 14/15 players going to the well every week” over a long season.
Higgins gave his players last weekend off in the hope they could re-charge for a final charge at European football over the final two rounds.
There was much jubilation in Sligo last week after a resounding 3-0 win in Inchicore, combined with Derry’s failure to win in Finn Park, secured European football for next season.
The primary mission is already accomplished. Sligo could still technically nab second spot, though this is dependent on Pat’s tripping up elsewhere.
The visitors will be without their local teenage whizz, Johnny Kenny, who is on duty with the Republic of Ireland U19s in Bulgaria – scoring in their 3-2 win over Montenegro on Wednesday. The availability of Greg Bolger and Adam McDonnell is also in question.
Derry City Team News: Cameron McJannett is doubtful after being forced off against Waterford. Marc Walsh is out with an injury. Bastien Hery is away on international duty.
Sligo Rovers Team News: Danny Kane is ruled out while Johnny Kenny is away on Republic of Ireland U19 duty. Greg Bolger and Adam McDonnell will have late fitness tests. Regan Donelon has recovered from injury and is available for selection.
Said Higgins: “Sligo Rovers have done brilliantly this year and you don’t make the top three in this league without being a very good side.
“They have some quality players and we know they will make things very difficult for us.
“With just two games to go there is still a lot to play for. It’s our last home match of the season and we will have a big crowd behind us.
“Hopefully they can give us a lift as we go looking for three massive points.”
Sligo manager Liam Buckley said: “I was delighted for the group to secure third place with two games left.
“While second place is up for grabs, we’ll be going for it certainly and we’d love to take that to the final night of the season.
“It would be a magnificent achievement to get it but as much as anything it’s important we see out the year as best as we can.
“Derry are in the mix for Europe. They’ll be chasing that in what is their final home game but from our point of view we go there looking for three points.
“We’ll look forward to the big crowd and the support we’ll receive and give it our all to get the win,” he added.
Tags: