Randolph wants number one spot
Darren Randolph fully intends to stake his claim for the Charlton goalkeeper’s jersey on a permanent basis.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international made his debut at Liverpool on the final day of the season as the relegated Addicks signed off from life in the Barclays Premiership.
With Scott Carson having returned to Anfield following his loan spell and veteran Thomas Myhre heading back to Norway, the door would seem ajar for the 20-year-old to become the new Charlton number one.
However, Randolph – who spent a spell on loan at Gillingham earlier in the season – is taking nothing for granted.
Charlton manager Alan Pardew is reported to be tracking West Ham’s Jimmy Walker, as well as midfielder Hayden Mullins, having worked with both men at Upton Park.
Randolph knows there are no guarantees, but intends to return fresh for pre-season training as the club prepare for life in the Coca-Cola Championship.
“I hope I have shown the manager what I can do and maybe he will show faith in me next year,” said Randolph, who was called up into the senior Ireland party for the Euro 2008 qualifier in San Marino during February.
“The manager has not told me I will be first choice next season or anything - he just said come back fit for pre-season and then we will see what happens.”
Randolph produced a number of decent stops against the Champions League finalists on Sunday.
The youngster, though, does not intend to rest on his laurels.
“I will not be living on the Liverpool game. It is over now and I have to look to the future,” he said.
“It will make me a better goalkeeper because I will learn from the experience.
“There were a few things that I could have done better which maybe some people did not notice – but the goalkeeping coach did so I will watch the game again and analyse my performance so that I can continue to improve.”
Pardew must decide just which of his senior men to try to keep at The Valley next season.
Icelandic defender Hermann Hreidarsson, 32, could be allowed to leave on a free transfer as part of his contract terms following relegation, while winger Dennis Rommedahl is likely to head back to Denmark, with Brondby the probable destination.
England duo Darren Bent and Luke Young, meanwhile, look set to be the subject of plenty of interest, with several top-flight clubs understood to be monitoring the situation closely.
