2 weeks Ago By Vincent Whelan
AFTER mixed fortunes on the road, John Russell wants his Sligo Rovers players to make the most of home comforts tonight.The Bit O’ Red defeated Waterford 4-0 – a result which cost Keith Long his job – before succumbing 3-0 to Derry City three days later.And, with Cork City defeating the Blues with two late goals on Monday, it means Russell’s side are propping up the Premier Division table.
In that position, Russell knows actions will speak louder than words as they look to claim only their third win of the season.Russell said: “There’s not really much point in me or anyone else talking too much about the game, it’s about actions.“We can analyse and talk all we want but it’s worth nothing if we don’t go out on Saturday in front of our own supporters, on our own ground and take the game to Cork.
“The players, every one of them, know what is expected of all of them and they know what I want from them. I need them to do their talking on the pitch now.“It’s all about actions now.
We know how good we can be and we must show it.”Russell’s hand is strengthened by the return of Connor Malley after suspension with Harvey Lintott available after injury.Ollie Denham faces a fitness test but Wilson Waweru is still out.
Russell added: “We’re a very young side but we also have experience and having someone like Connor back adds to that. “Harvey being back also gives us a boost and hopefully we’ll have positive news on Ollie. “We’re as close to full strength as we’ve been all year so we have no excuse on that front.
“Cork scored those late goals against Waterford and that’s going to have done a lot for them. “They’re a very good side and they’ll be coming up here looking for another win.“We will be as well prepared as we can be and the players will have all the information they need.
The 39-year-old acknowledged talk is cheap at the end of the day“We’re really looking forward to being back at the Showgrounds and we’re focused on putting in a good shift.”Tim Clancy is hoping Greg Bolger will be fit after being forced off with a calf issue on Monday, his first start in seven weeks.Clancy said: “We need to back up what we did against Waterford, both in terms of a performance and a result.
”Bookies odds: Sligo 6-5, Cork 9-5, Draw 12-5.VERDICT: Draw.
