Darren Randolph keen for Republic of Ireland to build on Euros showing
Thursday 1 September 2016 16:42, UK
Darren Randolph has urged his Republic of Ireland team-mates to take the confidence they gained at Euro 2016 into the World Cup qualification at the start of a new era.
Five days after bidding farewell to the nation's record cap-holder and goalscorer Robbie Keane as he ended an 18-year international career, the Republic embark on their World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Monday.
The Irish will head for Belgrade with senior men Keane, Shay Given - both of whom have now retired from international duty - and John O'Shea playing only supporting roles as a new generation of leaders came to the fore.
The victory over Italy which secured Ireland's passage to the knockout stage in France and their spirited display against the hosts in the last 16 have given Randolph cause for optimism.
"It's a tough group, but it was the same in France and we performed well," said the West Ham keepet. "We have the experience from the last group at the Euros. It's a two-year campaign, lots of games.
"Serbia is a tough place to go, they're a good young team, but it's going to be a good test for us. I don't know if there are going to be many tougher places to go to play in the games.
"But again, we go there full of confidence and looking to put on a good performance and get off to a good start in the group."
Full-back Seamus Coleman, midfielders James McCarthy and Jeff Hendrick and winger and emergency full-back Robbie Brady all announced themselves to a European audience in France with Coleman ending the tournament as captain and Brady as a potential regular match-winner.
And asked if he could see the formation of a new generation of leaders, Randolph said: "Yes. They are getting their chances and they have shown they are more than capable.
"I am looking forward to hopefully one, two or three of them grabbing it by the scruff of the neck and really making their place in the team their own."
However, Irish excitement will be tempered somewhat in the coming days with several of those men major doubts for the game in Belgrade.
Coleman has not kicked a ball for Everton this season due to an ankle injury, although indications this week have been positive, while reports have suggested McCarthy is to undergo surgery to address a groin problem.
And with central defender Shane Duffy suspended following his sending-off against France, manager Martin O'Neill may have to ring the changes.
That, coupled with Keane's absence from the dressing room after 10 years as captain, could have an effect, although full-back Stephen Ward is confident there is enough quality and leadership in the camp to plug the gap.
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Ward said: "We have always had big characters in the squad. Obviously it's going to be tough without Robbie, but we have got a lot of good experience lads and a blend of youth coming through who are big characters themselves.
"I think it's a good blend with a good management staff leading us from the top and we are raring to go from Monday."
