EURO 2016 is just around the corner.
To celebrate, ourselves and official sponsor Three, have decided to put together a profile of each one of Ireland’s potential heroes.
We’re starting with the team’s number one: Darren Randolph.
Here are 5 things you may not know about the keeper.
He had only played around 60 minutes of senior international football when he came on against Germany
The assist for Shane Long’s goal, as well as several epic saves, made him look like a seasoned international pro, but that simply wasn’t the case.
Before the Germany game, Randolph had only two substitute appearances for Ireland: one against Oman and the other in a meaningless friendly against Spain, which was played in the USA.
He was a key part of West Ham’s first league win at Anfield since 1963.
Randolph was between the posts when The Hammers finally ended their 52 year wait for a victory at Anfield in August of last year.
The keeper was rarely tested as Slaven Bilic’s side ran out 3-0 winners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBn0Abyzszo
Clip via Footballhighlightshdv6
His father was a star of Irish basketball during the ’80s & ’90s & his brother is on a basketball scholarship in the USA
Ed Randolph was one of the first American imports to come to Ireland to play basketball and his brother, Neil, is currently on a basketball scholarship in Elmira College in the USA.
Clip via Elmira College Athletics
He has played in the Champions League
In 2011-12, Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premier League, but were ineligible for UEFA competitions due to financial mismanagement.
Randolph’s third placed Motherwell entered the Champions League in their place, but lost in the third qualifying round against Panathinaikos.
He became a Motherwell legend in style
Randolph is considered a legend at Motherwell, in part because he holds the club record of 15 clean sheets.
The keeper broke the record on February 27, 2011 in a 2–0 win over league champions Celtic.
Brought to you by Three. #MakeHistory
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