Northern Ireland denied victory by Randolph

the game having won just once in their previous nine outings and desperate to gain some momentum ahead of Monday night’s Nations League trip to Denmark, were second-best in a clash between neighbours which demonstrated their respective difficulties.

They needed Randolph to make fine saves from Gavin Whyte and Kilmarnock’s Jordan Jones either side of the break to ensure they emerged with something to show for their efforts as the visitors, who had tasted victory only twice in 11 previous matches, created the better openings.

Indeed, the home side’s only chances of note predictably came courtesy of Robbie Brady set-pieces on the Burnley midfielder’s return to the international stage following a year out through injury, and the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos.

The visitors almost broke the deadlock when Shane Duffy misjudged Steven Davis’ 14th-minute ball forward, and Whyte looked certain to mark his first senior start for his country with a goal until Randolph raced off his line to block.

Glenn Whelan’s 85th and probably final Ireland appearance came to a planned end nine minutes before the break as he was replaced to warm applause by Conor Hourihane seconds before James Mcclean, booed at every touch by the travelling fans, lashed an ambitious volley high over.

Ex-motherwell keeper Randolph was called upon once again four minutes before the break when Stuart Dallas forced him into a solid save.

The Republic managed to ease themselves further up the pitch after the break and went close when Callum Robinson steered the ball wide.

Liam Boyce looped a header over in the 65th-minute and then saw the ball hacked away as it broke into his path after Randolph had parried Hearts defender Michael Smith’s volley. The keeper came to the Republic’s rescue once again with 18 minutes left when he denied substitute Jones with his foot.