Sligo Rovers boss John Russell reckons Shelbourne should be higher up the table.
He has been impressed by Damien Duff’s side so far this year, even though they lie eighth in the table with just one game remaining in the first round of fixtures.
”Shelbourne are a well organised side with some good young players. They have been unlucky not to pick up more points in their games so far,” said Russell.
”The league is so tight and the players know you have to bring the right mentality into every game.
”We’re hoping for another big performance (tonight).”
The Bit O’ Red are just three points ahead of Shelbourne, yet five places separate the two sides ahead of tonight's clash (Tolka Park, 7.45pm).
They returned to winning ways last Friday night when they picked up all three points away to Dundalk.
The goals came from their international strike pairing of New Zealand’s Max Mata and Faroe Islands man Stefan Radosavljevic.
”Oriel Park is always a tough venue to play at so to come away with three points was important,” said Russell.
”I felt we managed the game really well. Our team shape and organisation was good, and we were clinical with both of our goals.”
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