Former Galway United goalkeeper and Ireland international David Forde signs for Cambridge United

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper David Forde has signed a one-year deal with English League One side Cambridge United following his release by Milwall.

 

The 37-year-old spent the past year on loan at Portsmouth, where he helped former Sligo Rovers manager Paul Cook's side to the League Two title.

 

Forde, who earned 24 caps for Ireland between 2011 and 2016, made 299 appearances in nine years at the New Den before his contract ran out this summer.

 

"I'm delighted to be here and really looking forward to starting my first session with the first team this week. Forde told the club's official website.

 

"Everyone has been very positive about progress at the club, what we hope to bring this season and going into the future.

 



"The club obviously just missed out on the play-offs last year, and I have my own ambitions to get another promotion again, so that was a big part in making my decision.

"The squad have already had a large portion of pre-season together, so it's important for me to now get some game time under my belt, and start to integrate into the club.

"I want to be able to hit the ground running and use my experience to get into the swings of things quickly."

The keeper began his senior career with his hometown club Galway United and made his debut in 1999 aged 19 before having spells in the UK with Barry Town and West Ham United.

 

He returned to Ireland with Galway before moving to Derry City, with whom he spent two seasons, before returning to the UK with Cardiff City. He joined Millwall in 2008.



 

Forde made his international debut as a substitute in a 5-0 Carling Nations Cup win over Northern Ireland in 2011 and was selected in the squad for Euro 2012 but didn't make an appearance.

 

He became the oldest player to debut competitively for Ireland when he started against Sweden in a World Cup qualifier in 2003 at the age of 33.

 

Forde held down his place under Trapattoni and his successor Martin O'Neill but lost his place to Shay Given and made his final appearance in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly defeat to Belarus in Cork.