World Cup ambitions spark Darren Randolph move

Ireland international goalkeeper Darren Randolph has admitted his hopes of playing at next year’s World Cup hopes influenced his decision to leave West Ham for Middlesbrough.

Randolph completed his £5m move from West Ham on Saturday after the Londoners signed England No.1 Joe Hart on a season’s loan. With limited opportunities likely at the Hammers, Randolph agreed the move to Boro, becoming Garry Monk’s sixth signing this summer, and joins fellow Ireland international Cyrus Christie as one of the new faces on Teeside. Randolph has agreed a four-year deal in England’s north-east.

“I’ve got hopes and aspirations of playing at the World Cup, and playing games will be key,” said Randolph.