AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION:SLIGO ROVERS manager Ian Baraclough says he's pleased with how his players are handling the pressure as they strive to win a first league title in 35 years.

Six points clear at the top, with a game in hand, Sligo host bottom-of-the-table Dundalk tonight in front of another big, expectant crowd at the Showgrounds.

“There are just seven games left and obviously each game gets more and more important as the season winds down,” said Baraclough. “I’ve been pleased with how we’ve handled each match recently, we’ve coped with the increasing magnitude.”

One imagines the pressure on Sligo is something Dundalk manager Darius Kierans, whose side are seven points adrift without a win in 12, would relish.

“It will be a very difficult game in Sligo,” said Kierans. “Sligo are in top form at the minute and they’re champions-elect, but we have nothing to lose”

Sligo continue without injured pair Iarfhlaith Davoren and Danny North. Striker Gary Shanahan returns from suspension for Dundalk, but midfielders John Mountney and Mark O’Brien are banned, while striker Mark Griffin is a doubt due to a groin injury.

Shamrock Rovers, eager to avenge a 4-0 defeat at Dalymount Park at the end of June, wait on defenders Craig Sives (knee) and Conor Powell (dead leg) ahead of the Dublin derby with Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium.

Bohemians manager Aaron Callaghan remains without defender Owen Heary (back) and midfielder Ryan McEvoy (ankle).

St Patrick’s Athletic will give left back Ian Bermingham a late fitness test on the ankle injury that forced his substitution against Bohs at Dalymount on Friday ahead of their trip to the other Dublin derby, at Shelbourne. Midfielder John Russell remains out with an ankle injury, while winger Jake Kelly (groin) is a doubt.

Shelbourne are without suspended midfielders Glenn Cronin and Paddy Kavanagh, but have Gareth Matthews and Brian Shortall and Kevin Dawson back.