Waterford sign Australian U20 international

Joseph Forde, who recently turned 20, has Irish links with his grand-uncle, Belfast-born Thomas Forde.

SIGNING: Waterford have bolstered their defence further for their Premier Division return by recruiting Australian U20 international Joseph Forde. Pic credit: Waterford FC.

Waterford are set to bolster their defence further for their Premier Division return by recruiting Australian U20 international Joseph Forde.

The defender, comfortable in either full-back position or further up the pitch, has severed his ties with Perth Glory, the A-League club he made his first-team breakthrough with last season.

Forde, who recently turned 20, has Irish links with his grand-uncle, Belfast-born Thomas Forde, emigrating to Australia after playing for Northern Ireland and Wolves.

“I’m very excited to be here," Forde told the Blues' official website.

"It’s a new chapter for me in my football journey. I know a bit about the league. I’m Irish myself, and I’ve a mate in Australia – Aaron McEneff [former LOI midfielder] – I’ve been talking to him, and he’s been giving me the rundown of the league.

“I describe myself as an attacking full-back. I like to go forward, take players on, deliver crosses, and make things happen. I enjoyed meeting all the lads and they all made me feel welcome.

“It’s completely different from where I’ve been in Australia, so I’m very excited and ready to take it on.”

Head Coach Keith Long added: “We’re delighted to welcome Joseph to the group, joining us from the A-League with Perth Glory.

“Joseph has played first team football there; at a good standard and a good level. He’s very fit and athletic, and a very fast and powerful defender. He’s adaptable in terms of positions; he can play full back, wing back, left back so we’re looking forward to working with him.

“He’s 20 years of age, has played for the Australian Under-20s, has got Irish connections, and has ambitions to play at a high level in the game, so we’re hopeful he’ll make a big impact this season.”

Long has revamped his defence ahead of the top-flight campaign kicking off with the visit of Damien Duff’s Shelbourne to the RSC on Friday, February 16.

Killian Cantwell has departed for Bray Wanderers while captain Giles Phillips is unlikely to return despite a stellar season that featured the winning goal against Cobh Ramblers in the First Division playoff.

In their places have come have former Polish underage international Kacper Radkowski, joining on a long-term deal from Slask Wroclaw for an undisclosed fee, along with Dundalk duo Darragh Leahy and Robbie McCourt.

An attempt by Long to reunite with another former Bohemians defender, Rob Cornwall, was foiled by his former club swooping after his two-year spell in America.

The Blues are still in the market for a striker to replace Ronan Coughlan and they’ll see their former player, who made his English League debut on Saturday, when they visit sister club Fleetwood Town next week for a pre-season training camp.