diff --git a/plugins/Irc/Fake_Irc.php b/plugins/Irc/Fake_Irc.php
index 9f2a611e68..a1e296e8b1 100644
--- a/plugins/Irc/Fake_Irc.php
+++ b/plugins/Irc/Fake_Irc.php
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ if (!defined('STATUSNET') && !defined('LACONICA')) {
 class Fake_Irc extends Phergie_Driver_Streams {
     public $would_be_sent = null;
 
-    private function send($command, $args = '') {
+    protected function send($command, $args = '') {
         $this->would_be_sent = array($command, $args);
     }
 }