Republic of Ireland u18 goalkeeper Barry Roche has hit back at his critics who said that he is not ready to become second goalkeeper at Nottingham Forest.

The 18-year-old shot stopper was promoted from the Forest reserve team after Mark Crossley said he was leaving the club. Crossley later said that it was a mistake bringing Roche into the first team so early but the youngster believes that he is up to the challenge.

He said: "I know that people have said that I'm too young and inexperienced, but the way I look at it is that I believe I'm ready and the club must, otherwise I would not be in this position.

"You have to be mentally strong because you will make mistakes along the way, everybody does. But I am ready for the challenge and I can't wait to get my chance. Now I just have to try and get Dave Beasant's place, and that will be a lot of hard work.

"Working with Dave Beasant has been great for me. There's no better goalkeeping coach around than him."