Derry City boss Kevin Mahon has released Andy Petterson

Derry City have signed West Ham goalkeeper David Forde on loan until the end of July.

Forde will make his debut for the struggling Candystripes against UCD on Thursday night.

Kevin Mahon's side have made a dreadful start to the Eircom league season, losing their four opening matches.

Forde played more than 50 games for Galway United and never experienced defeat at the Brandywell.

The 23-year-old has been number three goalkeeper at Upton Park this season behind David James and Raimond Van Der Gouw.

After leaving Galway, Forde played at Welsh club Barry Town for a year before moving to West Ham.

With Forde joining the club, Derry boss Kevin Mahon has released Andy Petterson who played in the opening four league defeats.

Mahon is also believed to be keen to sign a central defender and a striker in the hope of finally kickstarting the club's league campaign.