Randolph: They’re all running scared
DARREN RANDOLPH says no one will fancy facing the Republic of Ireland for a place in the World Cup finals.
The Middlesbrough keeper put in a heroic performance in Monday’s 1-0 win over Wales which clinched his side a play-off spot.
And the 30-year-old believes Martin O’Neill’s side will be viewed as one to avoid in the scrap to get to Russia next summer.
Randolph said: “Have we got it in us to make the World Cup? I think so. Teams might fear us rather than us having to fear them.
“We manage to keep things tight and when we get a chance we take it. We’re always going to be a threat.” Randolph says the Republic do not care who they are paired with in next week’s draw.
“It’s two games – 180 minutes. We seem to get big games put in front of us and then it just brings out big performances from us.
“We fancy anybody now. We’re just happy to get through. Going to the World Cup is everybody’s dream. I’m not going to be picky on who we get next or whether it’s home or away first.” Randolph’s acrobatic save to keep out Hal Robson-Kanu’s header had 30,000 Wales supporters shaking their heads in disbelief. And he even “took one for the team” when he was booked for time-wasting near the end. Randolph said: “Wales would have done the same in our situation. That’s part and parcel of football.” FIFA are investigating an alleged headbutt by Robbie Brady on Ashley Williams during the game which could rule the Irishman out of the play-offs.