GLENTORAN boss Eddie Patterson has promised to ‘reshuffle’ his pack for tonight’s daunting Setanta Cup quarter final clash against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.
The East Belfast boys will travel without a number of first team regulars as Patterson intends to utilise his squad.
“We’ll make chances, just as we did in the previous round against St Patrick’s Athletic,” said Patterson. “It’s a big, big ask for part time players to play two games in the space of three days.
“We are coming off the back of a difficult Irish Cup quarter final win against Knockbreda and now we face a particularly long journey to Sligo.”
Patterson’s hand has been forced in many ways as a number of his players sustained injuries in the controversial victory at Breda Park.
“Some of the things that were going on were totally unacceptable,” he added. “A lot of our boys sustained injuries after being stamped on repeatedly. Credit to our lads, they kept their discipline.
“You have got to give credit to the referee and his assistants. They were man enough to send off two of their players.”
Defender Jay Magee will miss the trip to Sligo, while Jim O’Hanlon, Stephen McAlorum and Richard Clarke also sustained injuries.
“We’ll have to weigh things up and access our options,” added Patterson.
“Jay picked up an ankle injury that looks bad enough. He is suspended for the next fortnight domestically, so it will give him time to recover.
“It’s going to be another big test in Sligo. But our aim is to keep the tie alive before they come back to the Oval.”
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