FORMER York City striker Shaq Forde has joined Sky Bet League One side Leyton Orient.

Forde, who netted nine goals in 20 appearances for York last season, has joined newly-promoted Leyton Orient on a season-long loan from Sky Bet Championship side Watford.

The 19-year-old became a fans favourite at City after his impressive performances, and became the club’s youngest ever player to score a hattrick in a 4-1 victory over Maidstone United last season.

Forde also made the bench for Watford on two occasions this season, something which York manager Michael Morton is very happy with.

Speaking to the Press, Morton said: “I am chuffed to bits for him!

“With young players like Shaq, and even some of the younger ones who have signed for us on a permanent deal, it’s about quickly adapting and enjoying your football as well.

“As you get a bit older you start to forget why you got into football, and I think for someone like Shaq he was at his best when he was scoring goals and being creative, and having that sort of free instinct to go and do what he’s doing.

“He’s a great young man and like anybody else he had quite a bit to learn, and a bit to work on, but he’s gone back and used his experience at York City to get into the first team.

“Hopefully he’ll get in and get some minutes and prove to the manager that he has the capabilities to score goals at that level and create chances as well.”

Speaking on his move to the O’s, Forde told the club website: “I’ve had a couple of loan spells away from Watford already and they have been really good for my development.

“They’ve both been successful, and I’m hoping this loan can be too.”

“I had a good spell at York last season, and I want to match, if not better what I did there.

“I can bring creativity, score goals, go forward well and help the team going forward, I’m really excited to get started.”