David Forde was adamant that Millwall should still have a positive frame of mind on Christmas Day despite being beaten 3-0 by Gillingham at the Den on Saturday.

After putting together an impressive 11-match unbeaten run through October and November, the Lions have lost three of their last four league games.

Defeat to high-flying Gillingham, which was secured by a Dominic Samuel brace and Bradley Dack’s first-half penalty, ensured Millwall dropped to 11th in League One.

However, goalkeeper Forde, who was used as a substitute following Jordan Archer’s costly red card, urged the team to remain optimistic.

When asked about the post-match pep talk which manager Neil Harris eluded to, the 36-year-old said: “Basically I tried to be positive, we are still in a competitive position in the league.

“We have just got to get over this tough period over Christmas and give us a fighting chance at the end of the season.

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“There’s still a lot of football to be played and I wanted to concentrate on the positives which I thought there were lots of in the second half.

“We showed some determination and a bit of Millwall spirit to keep us in the game. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need to get over this game and focus on the next one.”

Forde started Millwall’s first three league games this term but was quickly replaced by former Tottenham stopper Archer.

Archer, 22, has enjoyed a consistent run for the Lions but was sent off for clipping Cody McDonald when the striker raced through on goal.

Forde said: “You want to come back into the side and win, unfortunately to come onto the field when you’re 1-0 down and facing a penalty is not ideal.

“We managed to keep the score competitive, I felt in the second half we had a chance. I firmly believe we were the better side after the break, we just needed one of those chances to go in for us.

“All of sudden it would have been a different game but it wasn’t to be and it’s disappointing for us.”

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Despite struggling to earn first-team action this season, veteran Forde, who has played over 300 games for the club, believes he still has much to offer boss Harris.

The Republic of Ireland star added: “All along I have said I’m ready, I feel fit and strong, now it’s just about putting in some strong performances, which I’ve done in the past and am fully capable of.

“Jordan knows I’m on his heels. I feel there’s still a lot of football in me.”

Forde also praised the performance of Gillingham’s Josh Wright, who played for Millwall two years ago and lost his grandmother, Nanny Pat – from the hit TV show TOWIE – last week.

“I have to commend him on a good performance today after he bereavement of his grandmother,” Forde said.

“We passed on our condolences to him before the game.

“It must have been difficult for him, but fair play to him for stepping out against his former club, it can’t have been easy.”

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