Rotherham United: Forde's goal aim as he ends long Millers wait

Forde had failed to find the net in the second tier since joining the Millers from League One Walsall in the summer for an indisclosed fee.

But ther winger struck a 25-yard cracker last weekend after coming on as a substitute at Brentford and hopes it will see him regain his starting berth for Saturday’s visit of Aston Villa.

“It was a decent strike. About time, to be fair! I’ve been waiting for one for a while,” said the 23-year-old who also set up a goal for Aimen Belaid in the 4-2 defeat at Griffin Park.

“I’ve got that in the locker. I just need to get a few more. I’m disappointed it’s taken this long for me to get my first league goal. I wish I could have got one earlier, although I have helped with a few assists.”

Forde found himself out of the side under the man who signed him, Alan Stubbs, and then found favour under caretaker manager Paul Warne before being dropped to the bench two games ago.

He has made 16 starts and eight sub appearances in the league this campaign, while his only other Rotherham goal came in the 5-4 EFL Cup first-round loss to Morecambe last August.

“It was frustrating at the start of the season,” he said. “Recently, I’ve played most of the games under Warney and it’s been brilliant. The last two or three, I’ve come out. But against Brentford I came on and played a big part.

“Obviously, I want as much game-time as I can. I’ve been enjoying it since I’ve been playing and hopefully I can carry on that way.”

The Millers head into the Villa clash in bottom place and 16 points adrift of safety, but Forde is refusing to give up on survival, even though there are only 12 matches left.

“We’re not accepting relegation,” he said. “We need to keep belief, keep momentum and keep giving 100 per cent.

“Football is a strange game and anything can happen. We’ll just do our best and see where it takes us.”

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