Forde looking after No 1 spot

Scarcely could David Forde have realised at the start of the season he’d be heading into the critical stage of Ireland’s World Cup qualification campaign as first-choice goalkeeper.

A clean sheet for the stopper in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Poland only reinforced the notion he’ll be handed his first competitive action on March 22 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sweden await in Stockholm.

“I never thought Shay Given would retire after the Euros because he’s been such a legend for the country,” said Forde after winning only his fourth senior cap. “I’d watched Shay and idolised him so it was fantastic to even work with him.