Russell wants Sligo to pass confident Students test

John Russell is wary of facing a confident UCD outfit, however, the Sligo Rovers manager has urged his side to dictate proceedings in front of a passionate home support at The Showgrounds tonight.

The Bit O'Red have enjoyed a mostly positive start to the season and came into this series of games just four points off second place with 13 points from their opening ten games.

Sligo have already beaten St Patrick's Athletic and Dundalk during the opening round of games, while also taking points off both Shamrock Rovers and Derry City. They were narrowly beaten by league leaders Bohemians at the start of April.

Russell's side beat UCD earlier in the season, thanks to a Max Mata hat-trick, however, the Students are travelling to the north-west off the back of an impressive 1-0 win over Cork City, which may kick-start a poor season to date.

"We are all looking forward to another home game on Saturday night in front of a packed Showgrounds," said Russell.

"UCD will be coming down full of confidence after their win last week against Cork City so we need to be ready for what is a massive game."

In team news, Johan Brannefalk's return from an ankle injury continues having gained some valuable minutes against Drogheda United last weekend.

Eanna Clancy and Bogdan Vastsuk remain sidelined along with long-term absentees Karl O’ Sullivan, Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne and Gary Boylan.

"I have such belief in our group of players," added Russell.

"They have shown really good signs so far this season. We know the areas we need to improve on but it’s vital that we continue to impose our style and our game on the opposition."

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and Sligo are welcoming a group of around 250 members of Ukrainian Families to the game, members of