Richard Keogh: Forest Green Rovers sign veteran free-agent defender

Richard Keogh played more than 350 games for Derby and also had spells with Coventry, Carlisle, Bristol City and Blackpool among others

Forest Green Rovers have signed free agent veteran Republic of Ireland defender Richard Keogh.

The former Derby man has been without a club since leaving Wycombe last month, having made 25 appearances this season.

The 37-year-old has played made more than 450 Championship games plus nearly 200 more in League One.

"I'm excited to get going and I'm looking forward to getting into the thick of it straight away," Keogh told the club website.

Keogh - who won 26 caps for his country - revealed a long-standing relationship with Rovers boss Steve Cotterill persuaded him to join League Two's bottom side.

"When he called me, the whole challenge really excited me," added Keogh. "I want to come here and help the group in any way I can.

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready for the challenge ahead. There's loads of points to play for, there's a good feel around the place with the new gaffer in place, so we just need to keep pushing each other."

Cotterill added: "Richard brings experience to the group. He's a great communicator. We have a very young group - and he will be a voice on the pitch.

"His experience and positioning will be invaluable. When you look at free agents out there right now, it's very difficult to get somebody the quality of Richard. I know what I'm getting from him and he will bring so much to the group."

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.