David Forde took the news of his exclusion from the Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 squad “like a proper man”, Martin O’Neill has revealed.

The Millwall goalkeeper failed to make the cut as O’Neill decided to take Sheffield Wednesday’s Keiren Westwood to France.

Despite being replaced by Jordan Archer as the Lions’ No.1 stopper this season, Forde featured prominently in the qualification campaign.

O’Neill, 64, admitted it was a “tough” decision to axe the 36-year-old from his 23-man squad.

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He said: “David Forde is obviously a disappointment because he has been a big part of proceedings.

“He made this wonderful save against Germany, a great, great save and we end up getting that point, which eventually takes us to France.

“That's a disappointment to him. He has been excellent for us and about the place too.

“It's a shame, it's going to happen and that's the nature of the game.”

The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland boss added: “I'll tell you why these decisions are tough.

“They're tough because these lads want to play for their country and that's the big issue.

“They want to play for their country, they've great pride in doing so and I'm not exaggerating, but that's the difference between that and club level.”

O’Neill admitted Forde, who has only played two league games for Millwall this year, was gutted to be left out but said he took the news with respect.

He added: “David took it as I would expect David to take it, like a proper man that he is, but it's naturally disappointing for him, which I expected and that's the way it goes.”

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