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01st Jun 2016

Irish ‘keeper David Forde proves what a class act he is just moments after being dropped from the squad

Paul Moore

A small gesture but a huge touch of class.

While Irish fans are disappointed with the recent Euro ’16 warm-up defeat to Belarus, spare a thought for those players that didn’t make Martin O’Neill’s final 23 man squad because it’s arguably one of the lowest points for the likes of David McGoldrick, Harry Arter, Callum O’Dowda, Darron Gibson and Eunan O’Kane.

Martin O’Neill’s biggest selection headache came when choosing his three goalkeepers though because Ireland are spoiled for choice in that department.

Milwall ‘keeper David Forde started in Ireland’s qualifiers against Georgia, Gibraltar, Scotland and Germany but after losing his place to Shay Given for the 1-1 draw with Poland in Dublin, he hasn’t featured in a competitive match since.

After getting some game time at Turner’s Cross, he might have expected to be be on the plane to France, but Martin O’Neill opted for the in-form Keiren Westwood over Forde.

The Galway shot-stopper was told that he wouldn’t be going to Euro ’16 but even during this difficult moment, he still found the time to look after some Irish fans.

Class act.