Darren Randolph has been a remarkable servant to Ireland.
Ever since making his competitive debut in 2015, he hasn't looked back. The goalkeeper has probably been Ireland's most consistent performer over this period, although he currently finds himself at a difficult point in his career.
Randolph is now third choice at West Ham, and with some talented young goalkeepers coming through the ranks with Ireland, he looks to have lost the number one jersey that he held onto for so long.
Gavin Bazunu has starred in his handful of appearances at international level, while Caoimhín Kelleher is very highly rated by both Ireland and Liverpool. Mark Travers has also finally become first choice at Bournemouth this season.
That trio, all of whom as 22-years old or younger, were the goalkeepers included in Stephen Kenny's squad yesterday for the September. There was no place for Randolph.
Some have suggested that the 34-year old might now retire from international football, although this does not seem to be the case.
The Bray native would take to his Instagram page this afternoon to confirm that he has no intention of retiring from the international scene anytime soon.
A lot of people asking if I've retired from international football. I haven't, I'm fit and training I just wasn't selected.
Long time to go before I choose to retire.
Randolph is still an excellent option for Ireland to have, even though he is not playing much club football at the minute. He could well need a move if he is to force his way back into contention.
As for Stephen Kenny, he believes the door is still very much open for the former Middlesbrough keeper to return to the squad. Speaking to the media yesterday, he said that Randolph could yet come back into the fold:
Darren started pre-season and then he had Covid himself and missed the first few weeks. He is back training and ideally I think Darren wants first-team football.
Darren just needs to get an extended period of training and play games again and I am sure he will come back into contention again. He has been an excellent goalkeeper for Ireland, 50 caps and done really well.
The other three goalkeepers have done really well, they have all been in good form so that was the decision that was made on that front.
Gavin Bazunu will likely start in Ireland's next fixture as they travel to take on Portugal on September 1st.
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