Forde rewarded after long journey

Not too long ago David Forde was wondering whether this was really for him.

It was the start of 2005 and, disillusioned with the game, he was seriously considering change. At St Michael’s, the GAA club he played for growing up in Galway, there was an opportunity to slot in at midfield. He had spent the previous year at Galway United but as their campaign drew to a close and the winter months offered time to ponder, he questioned his motivation.

Then the call came from Stephen Kenny at Derry City. All of a sudden the drive returned and two years later Forde moved to Cardiff City, before joining Millwall. Tonight, at 33, he will make his competitive debut for Ireland.