Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Anthony Forde sure he can adapt to life in League One with Scunthorpe United

GO FURTHER is the tagline used by a certain motor company – and for namesake Anthony Forde it is a message befitting of his spell at Scunthorpe United.

The on loan Wolverhampton Wanderers winger endured something of a baptism of fire on his Iron debut, being thrown straight into the starting line-up at Notts County last Saturday, barely 48 hours after putting pen to paper.

By his own admission, it wasn’t the easiest of introductions to life in League One, but with that experience behind him Forde is confident United fans will soon start to see what he has to offer.

“It was hard in a way because I didn’t really know the players as such and it was my first time playing in League One,” said the 19-year-old.

“It was quite a competitive game and we could probably have nicked a result out of it really.

“But I enjoyed it and I needed that game to get familiar with all the players.

“I’m looking forward to the next one now.

“I knew it was going to be different.

“It’s probably more physical and a bit more long-ball played than I expected, but that’s what you’ve got to do.

“Now I’ve got a taste of it, I’m ready for the next game.”

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has already sampled top-flight football, making six appearances, as well as the Championship, having featured 12 times for his parent club this term, though all but one of those was as a substitute.

The third tier though, has its differences.

“It’s still a physical and quick game, but maybe there are not as many passes being played around,” Forde explained. “There’s a difference allright.

“You’ve just got to get into the way this team plays and the way the league is.

“It is quick, but other games in the Championship are quick as well. I’m used to that.

“I’ve played in quick games, so I know it’s coming again. Just playing first-team football again is getting me back into it.

“Saturday gave me a good taste of what this league’s about.”

Forde has been restricted to reserve games since Dean Saunders took over at Molineux two months ago.

The opportunity to play first-team games for United is one he relishes.

“I was happy to come away here and play games. It’s a good challenge,” said the Irishman, who can play anywhere across the middle of the park but says his preference is on the wing.

“I haven’t played first-team for a few weeks, but I’ve been playing in the reserves at Wolves, so fitness-wise I’m fine at the moment.

“Just getting more first-team games under my belt is the aim and hopefully to help Scunthorpe do well and stay up.

“I think I can bring more attacking aspects to the game and hopefully lay on some balls for the strikers.

“Hopefully I can get a few goals.”

Making the move to North Lincolnshire from Wolverhampton, Forde is following in the footsteps of another young prodigy – Jamie Reckord, who spent two months at Glanford Park last season.

“Jamie told me all about it,” said the teenager. “Jamie loved it here, he really enjoyed it here.

“I spoke to him earlier in the week and he said all the lads are great. I agreed with him and he said I’ll enjoy it.

“The boys were so welcoming and easy to talk to. They’ve helped me out.

“The captain (Paul Reid) just said, if you need anything, let me know.

“And the rest of them have been great, just saying, enjoy it.”