Preview: Sligo face exit but Russell keen to learn from Viking

Sligo Rovers face a near impossible task in their Europa Conference League third-round second-leg clash with Viking on Thursday, but manager John Russell feels there will be a lot to take from the games regardless of the outcome.

The Norwegians side won 5-1 last week as they blitzed the Bit O'Red early on, as well as producing some prolific finishing in the second half.

Many believed the visitors were simply outclassed by a superior opposition, while injuries also proved costly.

Midfielder Adam McDonnell suffered a knock in the first minute which forced him off, while later in the half key defender Garry Buckley sustained what proved to be a cruciate ligament injury.

He will not return until well into the 2023 season, with surgery booked for the former Cork City man.

Lewis Banks also picked up a problem on a night to forget for Sligo.

A late David Cawley penalty was the only highlight, meaning the return leg in Sligo should be a formality.

Nevertheless, it has been a memorable European campaign.

Victories over Welsh and Scottish opposition were a genuine step forward from a history of poor European results.

They face a huge battle to be back in Europe next year. Last Sunday, trailing 1-0 to Bohemians, it seemed like that challenge was going to be even greater.

Max Mata then bagged a brace as the depleted Sligo side secured three points to move back to within a point of St Patrick’s Athletic in fourth spot.

Thursday's fixture will be about pride with a sold-out Showgrounds once again, and if they can grab the first of four goals they need, the home supporters will at least begin to believe.

Russell spoke to the media on Tuesday and admitted his side had to firstly accept what occurred in the opening 90 minutes, and then take