BIT O'RED WANT BIT OF STEEL.

Byline: MICHAEL SCULLY

SLIGO Rovers go into tonight's Europa League first round second leg clash with KS Vllaznia upbeat about their chances of securing their place in the next phase - even though they are behind in the tie (6.00).

Rovers were devastated that a good performance at the Showgrounds seven days ago ended in a 2-1 defeat, giving their Albanian opponents an away goal advantage.

But Bit O'Red boss Paul Cook believes his team will have learned from their mistakes and have the necessary quality to turn the tie around in the city of Shkoder.

"We have taken support with us and we're going to give them something to shout about because we haven't come here to get beaten again," pledged Cook.

The Liverpudlian is hopeful that centre-half Gavin Peers will be fit to play after Rovers made the trip to Albania on Monday afternoon, the confidence restored to some extent with the 2-2 draw with Drogheda United.

Peers missed that game through suspension but was forced to miss the first leg against Vllaznia because of a thigh injury.

Meanwhile, Stephen Parkhouse has been dogged by ankle and knee problems and also missed that frustrating first game.

Rafael Cretaro's 88th minute strike in Sligo could yet prove priceless and in one respect Cook is expecting his side to improve as they look to win by a two-goal margin.

Having claimed his charges froze on the night, the Rovers boss will be hoping they have got over those first night nerves with so much at stake in this second leg clash.

Meanwhile the Premier Division clash of Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, which was originally scheduled for Friday, 24th July, will now take place on Sunday, 26th July, at Dalymount Park with a kick-off time of 1pm.

CAPTION(S):

EURO TEST Paul Cook DOUBTFUL Gavin Peers