Darren Randolph has eye on more Republic of Ireland caps

Darren Randolph is hoping game time with West Ham can help him add to his two Republic of Ireland caps in next month’s Euro 2016 double-header against Gibraltar and Georgia.

The goalkeeper joined West Ham from Birmingham over the summer and make his Premier League debut for the Hammers last weekend, replacing the suspended Adrian in the 4-3 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Despite conceding four goals, Randolph acquitted himself well against the Cherries and — with Adrian still banned — will be between the sticks again for tomorrow’s trip to Liverpool.

It’s a huge opportunity for Randolph, particularly so given Ireland rivals Shay Given and David Forde are out of favour with Stoke and Millwall, while Sheffield Wednesday’s Keiren Westwood has been struggling with injury.

Not that Randolph is getting carried away. Step one is avoiding the cut when Martin O’Neill slims down his provisional 37-man squad.

“They always put five goalkeepers in the provisional squad and then cut it down to four, so I’ll wait and see who is in the final squad,” Randolph said.

“They are qualifiers so it would be great to be involved. They are obviously must-win games now so, hopefully, there are exciting times ahead.”

Reflecting on last weekend, Randolph said:“I was very pleased with my performance. To know the manager supports me helped and I just enjoyed going out there to play well, which I did.

“My chance came a lot sooner than I thought and after what I think was a harsh red card shown to Adrian. I am just looking forward to playing.”