Manager knows what the players are capable of

NEXTUP

THIS was the night when the only topic of conversation was striker Aidan Keena’s 20th goal of the season for Sligo Rovers.

Furthermore, last Friday’s 1-0 home defeat of St Patrick’s Athletic – courtesy of Keena’s expert penalty conversion in the 54th minute – extended Rovers’ current unbeaten run to four games in the almost concluded SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

THIS result was a poignant reminder of what Sligo Rovers are capable of. While John Russell delivered in Europe in his first stint as first team manager, consistency eluded his players in the top flight – last Friday’s 1-0 win over St Patrick’s Athletic at The Showgrounds was only the team’s 13th victory in 35 games.

Still, it meant so much that Rovers completed their home schedule with a victory, even if this result and Aidan Keena’s 20th goal that inspired it, was soured by senseless idiots who have no place following one of the country’s best League of Ireland clubs.

“We’re really pleased to have got this win,” said Russell. “I thought we were unlucky not to take the points in Dundalk and we could have nicked it late on against Derry.

“This result [against St Pat’s] shows the level of players that we have here and what we’re trying to develop.” He continued: “This is still a work in progress but we’ve shown moments of quality when people have said that we’re just mid-table with nothing left to play for [this season].

“But we’ve put demands on the players for the final weeks and it will be the same again on Sunday away to Bohemians.

“On our day I think we can match anyone – Shamrock Rovers have led the way and look at the squad that they’ve built, they are a serious machine.”

Forward Aidan Keena, Rovers’ top scorer and on the cusp of being the Premier Division’s leading goalscorer, was called “amazing” by his manager. “He has been quality all season. I think he has been the best player in the Premier Division and hopefully he will be recognised as that by the various end of season awards.

“For us to have a player of his quality, scoring goals, is brilliant – he has been a real talisman for us.

BOHEMIANS

AHEAD of Sunday’s away test against Bohemians – Rovers’ 36th and final game of this season’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division – the Bit O’Red know that they are guaranteed fifth place, irrespective of the outcome at Dalymount Park (7pm start).

Still, Rovers would rather finish this up and down year on a winning note and so continue this mini-unbeaten streak. Sixth-placed Bohs, with a new manager, Declan Devine, on board since October 14, could slip to seventh positition if FAI Men’s Cup finalists Shelbourne (currently seventh) defeat St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park and Bohs lose heavily to Rovers. Rovers lost at home to Bohemians 1-0 in April and were beaten 2-1 at Dalymount Park in May (Liam Buckley’s final game in charge). The

Bit O’Red won 2-1 when the sides met at The Showgrounds in August – Max Mata netted twice in that victory.

(AWAY)

“It is not just about the goals he scores, he creates chances and his work-rate is phenomenal. He has a real hunger and desire – he is not the only player in the group with that attitude.

“I felt that in and out of possession we were really good against St Pat’s.” Goalkeeper Richard Brush, who turns 38 later this month, was another player who was hailed by Russell. “He still has that touch of class. He trains like a younger player! Richard is also a really good person to have around the place, a really good character – but he is also a top goalkeeper.

“He has shown that over the growing acumen of Kailin Barlow, a local midfield talent, and there are positives aplenty for Rovers boss John Russell. the last few games. I have been really pleased with his performances, his decision-making and the saves that he has made. He really has rolled back the years.”

Russell reiterated that the goal for next season is to be consistent.

“Our performances and results have to be week in, week out. We have to keep progressing and build the group with the good players that we have.” He added: “When we knew we couldn’t get into the top four we wanted to make sure that we didn’t go any lower than fifth. It is pleasing that we’ve achieved that.

“The players have worked hard this year and, yes, there were certain games where we left points behind us or decisions didn’t go our way, but I think it has been a good season – we gave the fans some memorable nights in Europe.

IMPRESSIVE: Goalkeeper Richard Brush has excelled.