Ireland are blessed with goalkeepers at the moment. In Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Mark Travers, they have three young players in that position with massive potential.
That trio represent the clear first choice squad members at the moment, although the pecking order behind them remains somewhat up in the air.
When Bazunu was ruled out of this month's friendlies due to injury, some suggested that Darren Randolph could be next in line. However, Bohs man James Talbot was called up instead, with Randolph going on to leave a joking comment on Instagram to confirm that he had not retired.
When Mark Travers was then also ruled out, the West Ham man was overlooked once again as Bristol City's Max O'Leary was brought in instead.
Randolph has not made a single appearance at club level this season, being named on the bench in the Premier League on only two occasions.
Speaking ahead of the game against Belgium, Stephen Kenny said that Randolph's lack of playing time made it very difficult to select him, a policy he has also followed with other Irish players. He also confirmed that there are no issues between himself and the 50-cap international.
It's not just matches, it's also being in matchday squads. I've been consistent on that with the likes of Robbie Brady, and I really admire Robbie Brady, Harry Arter, James Collins who has been in all our recent squads but with a change of manager has dropped out of the Cardiff squad.
You have Jamie McGrath, who has performed really well for us, he went to Wigan and he didn't perform badly, but through no fault of his own found himself in a situation where it's 'these lads have done well for me, you're at the other end of the queue and will have to wait your turn'. He has found himself not playing.
Darren is still only 34. I'd love to see him go and get playing matches, he just hasn't been able to because he hasn't been in squads or playing.
I've been consistent with those players. Some of those players I've mentioned, Brady, Randolph, and Arter, have all been great servants for Ireland. The door is not closed on anyone...
James was excellent in Europe for Bohemians, really good. I was at the three games here in the Aviva Stadium and he was absolutely excellent, looked a really good keeper. He is in on merit over a period of time with his performances every week.
There is no doubt that Darren Randolph has been an outstanding goalkeeper for Ireland, I'm not trying to diminish that...
No (there are no issues between Kenny and Randolph). I called him into the summer squad, I actually left out Mark [Travers] and called him in but then he didn't feel right with his injuries.
I have no issues with anyone to be honest with you.
At 34-years old and with younger goalkeepers ahead of him in the pecking order, is is looking increasingly unlikely that we will see Randolph in an Ireland jersey again.
SEE ALSO: Stephen Kenny & Seamus Coleman Name Their Favourite Ireland Players Of All-Time
