Randolph - It is not just about Dimi

  • Randolph wants to help Ireland create Euro history

  • Hammers keeper produces Cruyff turn

  • Randolph ready to stop Payet getting on the scoresheet


Darren Randolph is relishing the chance to come up against his Hammers team-mate Dimitri Payet in last 16 of the Euro Finals in France and hopes to celebrate another famous night in Lyon.


Randolph played his part in helping the Republic of Ireland defy all the odds to record a dramatic late victory over Italy on Wednesday night to secure qualification for the knockout stages.


Robbie Brady's late header ensured Martin O'Neill's side prolonged their stay in France and they are now preparing for a mouthwatering game against the host nation on Sunday.


Payet has been one of the star performers in the tournament so far having scored two goals during the group stages and Randolph knows more than most what is needed to stop the French superstar getting on the scoresheet.


The Hammers keeper is used to facing Payet in training every day, but says it would be wrong for Ireland to focus all their attentions on stopping the 29-year-old.


Randolph said: “It is not just about Dimi although he is grabbing all the headlines right now so we will see what happens at the weekend.


“It is another great occasion and the chance for us to get in the history books against the hosts in the last 16.


“It is something to go and enjoy. We have worked incredibly hard.”

Randolph says he will never forget the drama that unfolded against Italy including his own personal moment when he produced a Cruyff turn to stop Simone Zaza getting on the scoresheet.


 


The Hammers keeper believes the victory demonstrates the impressive team spirit that Ireland have and feels they can be a match for any team.


Randolph added: “What a night. We knew we would get a couple of chances and at half-time we said that we need to keep going and that when we get a chance we need to take it. We did that in the second half.


“If you look from the outside we knew it was not going to be the easiest group, but we had to get a win from somewhere and it happened to be in the last game when we needed it to get through.


“We had two very good performances and now we are through.


“Robbie still had to be brave and got his head on the end of that cross from Wes (Hoolahan) to spark the celebrations.”