Millwall goalkeeper David Forde is relishing his opportunity to start in goal for Ireland for the first time in tonight’s friendly against Italy in Liege.
The 31-year-old will become the oldest player since World War Two to make their full senior debut for Ireland.
The former Derry goalkeeper has been waiting a long time for an international call-up, and is overjoyed now that his time has finally come.
“You do question it, but I suppose you have just got to be strong mentally,” he said.
“You dream of it all the time, you set your goals and it's been top of my list.
“To represent your country - it's every boy's dream, isn't it? It was always top of my list.”
Forde has had a turbulent career, moving back to Derry in 2006 when he failed to gain a regular place in the West Ham squad. He has since moved back to England, and kept 20 clean sheets in 50 appearances for Millwall last season, helping them to achieve a ninth place finish in the Championship.
Forde made his debut for Ireland as a substitute in the recent 5-0 victory over Morthern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup, but feels that he might be a bit busier tonight in Liege.
“It's being thrown into it all right. I'm just absolutely delighted, and really looking forward to it,” he added.
“It just gives me a chance to show the manager what I have got.
“It's a fantastic game to play in as a keeper. You are probably better off playing in these games where you are going to get more work and more stuff to do than playing against a lesser opponent.”