Randolph set for West Ham ‘debut’ again
DARREN RANDOLPH’S protracted return to West Ham has given Ireland manager Mick McCarthy an extra Premier League card to flourish as he prepares for the Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia. Should Randolph make his second ‘debut’ for the Hammers at home to Everton on Saturday following his £4m move from Middlesbrough, it will bring the number of Irish internationals with top flight game time this season to 20. The number is a healthy reflection on the FAI coaching structures as no less than 16 of the 20 were homegrown. The 32-year-old from Bray rejoins the London Stadium side on a three-and-a-halfyear contract. Randolph’s made 42 appearances between 2015 and 2017 for the Hammers. It’s a timely return as the current No1, Lukasz Fabianksi is sidelined with a hip injury. While Randolph hasn’t played since November 24 because of a thigh injury, he is fit again and available for selection. Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is expected to resume full training by the end of the week to hand West Ham boss David Moyes a major boost. The 29-year-old forward, who has missed the last three matches, could even feature against Everton.
LIVERPOOL face being without four of their African stars for up to six weeks next season after it was confirmed that the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will revert to January. Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Naby Keita (Guinea) and Joel Matip (Cameroon) are set to miss a vital part of the Premier League season after hosts Cameroon said the tournament will move from the summer because of weather conditions. Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) are also likely to feature, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Leicester set to be without key players.
BIRMINGHAM and Coventry will split the gate receipts from their FA Cup fourth-round tie at St Andrew’s — when the Blues will be the away team at their own ground! Coventry, who are playing home fixtures at St Andrew’s this season, beat Bristol City in a replay to set up their ‘home’ tie.