The former Ireland No.1 is a big fan of the West Ham goalkeeper and thinks Shay Given will make the Euro 2016 cut.
In four days, Martin O’Neill will make a call on the 23 men he will take to the European Championships. According to Uefa rules, at least three must be goalkeepers but O’Neill could take four or five if he wanted.
He won’t. That means one man from the four goalkeeping frontrunners will miss out.
SportsJOE found no better man than Irish goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner to predict which three stoppers will make the cut. Bonner, who will be in Dublin on Thursday as part of the International Literary Festival, tells us:
“I know Shay Given was back for Stoke and is desperate to go. It is a pity for Robbie Elliot, who was in such great form before his injury. Darren Randolph will be Ireland’s No.1. David Forde will go too and he deserves too.
“That leaves Shay and Keiren Westwood. If Shay is fit and able, I would take him. I can see Martin doing the same. Shay has that experience and knowledge while setting the standard in training.”
Bonner has been impressed by Randolph’s assuredness since his breakthrough in the Euros qualifying campaign. The 29-year-old had made a few friendly appearances before replacing the injured Given in the 1-0 win over Germany.
Randolph’s pin-point kick to Shane Long set up Ireland’s winner and gave him his first international assist. It also brought comparisons to Bonner, who says:
“In my day, you didn’t take any chances with your kick-outs. You kicked it long to the big guy. Before the 1994 World Cup, that is what most goalkeepers did.
“Goalkeepers now are like outfield players. You have the ball at your feet 60 or 70% of the time. Darren has got that ability – he’s good with his feet.
“As well as being solid in goal, Darren has the ability to pick out men with his kicks and put the ball in the right area.”
At a time when Joe Hart is under pressure at Manchester City for his footballing skills, it is heartening to hear Randolph’s ground game get such high praise.
Packie Bonner will be giving a talk about his book ‘The Last Line’, as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin, at Smock Alley Theatre from 8pm on Thursday, May 26. Tickets are still available here.
