The entire Sligo Rovers squad has returned a portion of their individual wage packets to the club following their recent exit from the FAI Cup.

The decision was made following a meeting between first team players, which took place after Rovers’ recent defeat to Longford Town.

Rovers were beaten by the Midlanders on Saturday last, meaning the Bit O’Red were knocked out of the competition at the hands of the first division side at the first hurdle, for the second year running.

The premature exit also adds extra financial pressure on the club who have just five home games scheduled between now and the end of the season.

Both the Longford game and the EA Sports Cup defeat to Derry the previous Monday were Rovers’ only home games in the space of almost two months.

It is understood the amount returned to the club by the players represents a reasonable portion of the wage bill.

Senior players Rhys McCabe, Lee Lynch and David Cawley are believed to have been the instigators of the gesture.

Vice-captain McCabe, who wore the armband on Saturday, said the squad had to take responsibility for what was an embarrassing result.

He said: "We feel as a group we let the supporters down and the people that fund the club week-to-week.

"We also let (Ger Lyttle) down. We owe him a lot. He’s a great manager and we should be doing better than what we showed last weekend."

David Cawley in action for Sligo Rovers

The Scot, one of Rovers’ more impressive performers this term, called on his team mates to ensure they record a positive result in Limerick this Friday.

Sligo currently sit five points above the Shannonsiders who occupy the relegation play-off spot.

"There’s nothing we can do about last week now unfortunately," he continued.

"All we can do is go out Friday and show that it means for us to play for the club and the gaffer and continue it for the rest of the season."