Darren Randolph is set for another FA Cup outing against Blackburn Rovers but the ‘Adrian pressure’ is growing on boss Slaven Bilic.
Randolph has been quite sensational so far and looked the equal of the No 1 on his FA Cup excursions but ClaretandHugh understands that the boss is having to think about his involvement as we advance further and further in the competition.
It’s a happy headache to have but clearly Adrian will get itchy feet should we find ourselves in the quarter final on Saturday evening.
A high level insider reckons that the No 2 is a certainty to start at the weekend but said it may become a real problem for the manager after that.
He said: “I still think he’ll keep Randolph in goal on Sunday as he rates him very highly AND wants to give him games.
“However, it’s uncertain what will happen if we make it to the semi final and/or Final. One thing is certain we will be putting out our strongest possible side at Blackburn but the goalkeeping decision is more than a little interesting.”
Randolph should keep the shirt for FA Cup games as far as I’m concerned. He’s shown himself more than capable and Slav should have faith in him however far we go.
I don’t see a lot between either keeper. Randolph should get the slot right the way through to the final if we get there. Adrian gets the vast majority of games as 1st choice in the league. If Adrian gets itchy feet, then I see that as churlish and ungenerous; not exactly playing for the team. Randloph is that good that I feel Slaven should rotate them anyway.
If we get as far as the semi or final and Randoph has got us there I thnik it would be very wrong to punish him and remove him for those games. I think Adrian is a fantastic goal keeper but so to has Randolph been and Bilic would need to show some loyalty and reward to Randolph for a job well done.
If he doesn’t get get game time what’s the point of him hanging about? He has his own ambitions for the Euro’s etc.Not playing for us could affect these ambitions and he could well be off.Make no mistake; teams will be sniffing around him.
I think its an absolute liberty to take this opportunity away from him. He has worked hard after a shaky first game for us to prove his quality and earn his place as our cup goalkeeper.