SLIGO ROVERS will be roared on by a sell-out crowd tomorrow as they face Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League third qualifying round second leg.

 

Paul Cook's side will be hoping to take advantage of the 0-0 first leg result to secure the win at The Showgrounds and progress to the play-off stage.

Rovers have been in strong defensive form this season and another clean sheet could well be enough to see them progress.

"There has been a lot made of our defensive record. We’re fortunate that we have top-class defenders at the club and they have done very well," admitted Cook.

"But I also think that anyone who knows football knows luck plays a major part in it. For the first 15 minutes in Poltava we were under plenty of pressure, they were cutting us open constantly and we were fortunate not to concede.

"Vorskla will create chances this week because they are a very, very good side. They move the ball very well. It is important we remain patient and for our supporters to do likewise.

"Players such as Alan Keane have the experience now and that is a huge positive. They have played in FAI Cup finals, EA Sports Cup finals, European matches and these are all big occasions. That is great for us because it is where we want to be in terms of getting the players experience.

"We have to go win the game and to do that we have to be well-disciplined. People have been talking about a hostile atmosphere but the pitch is fantastic, the people of Sligo are very welcoming and they have top class preparations in travel and accommodation."