First Wolves start for Limerick’s Forde

LIMERICK teenager Anthony Forde got a belated Christmas present from Wolves manager Mick McCarthy yesterday — a starting berth against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Forde only turned 18 last month but is considered hugely promising and made his first start for Wolves in yesterday’s game in place of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Forde belied his tender years with an assured and mature display before he was replaced by Adlene Guedioura with 19 minutes remaining.

Forde is making a habit of appearing against the big boys — his only previous Premier League appearance was a 15-minute cameo as a second half substitute against Chelsea last month.

That trip to Stamford Bridge ended in a 3-0 defeat but Forde will have been thrilled yesterday’s trip to London ended with Wolves snatching a point as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.