AS he prepares for his first F.A.I. Cup tie as captain, Sligo Rovers defender, Michael McNamara, says he is "quietly confident" ahead of Saturday night’s opener against Malahide United.
"When I first heard the draw, I was happy enough. They should be a decent team, coming from the Leinster Senior League, but these are the type of games we are expected to win.
"In many ways it is a step into the unknown for us. We will be focussed on what we have to do and will treat the match as we would any other," he added.
McNamara’s solid defensive displays-and four set piece goals into the bargain-have helped Rovers consolidate their promotion push from the First Division, a target temporarily put aside this weekend.
"Things have been going reasonably well in the league. It is important that we keep the ball rolling in that respect. After all, promotion is our main objective.
"A good cup run would be a bonus, however, and we will be certainly looking for that, starting on Saturday," said the skipper.
McNamara is anticipating that Malahide will defend in numbers, as most teams visiting the Showgrounds have done.
"I feel they will put bodies behind the ball and try to frustrate us. We have to be patient and keep playing to our own strengths. We also have to guard against complacency, which can creep in when you are playing non-league opposition.
"Our preparations will be just a thorough as in any other week and hopefully we can get the result everyone is expecting us to get," he went on.
"Malahide come with nothing to lose. They are the underdogs. It could be tricky, yet I would be reasonably optimistic that we can progress," the Rovers captain added.
McNamara is well aware of what the F.A.I. Cup means to Sligo Rovers supporters and is determined that they will not fall victims to a giant killing act this weekend.
"The Cup always generates a special buzz. There should be a big crowd and a good atmosphere. Anyone who has come to the Showgrounds this season will know the sort of football we are capable of. Malahide won’t make it easy for us, they will fight and scrap for everything, but we should get through," he maintained.
Meanwhile, the Rovers captain was delighted with the 4-1 win over Galway on Saturday night last, despite the absence of his central defensive partner, Liam Burns.
"It was nice to get back-to-back wins. It keeps the pressure on at the top and that too is important," he said.
"Liam and myself have forged a good understanding. He is an excellent player to have alongside you. Our defence has been pretty solid so far and it is just a case of keeping the momentum going.
"There is a long way to go yet in the league and it is vital that we stay in contention. We all want to get back to the Premier Division, and have a long cup run into the bargain," the skipper stressed.
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