Darren Randolph feels that his move to West Ham United has boosted his international prospects with the Republic of Ireland, despite eyebrows being raised when he quit Birmingham City.
The goalkeeper is currently the man between the sticks for the Irish as they shape up for two huge Euro 2016 playoff games, with home and away legs against Bosnia as they seek to qualify for the finals in France next summer.
Randolph, who now has four senior Republic of Ireland caps to his name, moved to West Ham from Birmingham City in the summer and he is in no doubt that joining the Premier League outfit has boosted his profile.
The goalkeeper told his club's site: "Of course, playing for your country is a massive honour. I think since moving to West Ham people have taken more notice of me.
"I’m on a bigger platform then I was before, this is the biggest club I’ve played for", the 28-year-old continued.
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"People might say I haven’t played as much as I would’ve done if I’d stayed at Birmingham, but when I have played I think I have done well.
"Training with world class players every day is obviously going to keep you sharp."
Ireland-born Randolph started his career at Ardmore Rovers in his homeland, but was then drafted over into the youth ranks at English side Charlton Athletic.
A number of loan spells followed for the shot-stopper before he switched to Motherwell on a permanent basis in 2010. Randolph then joined Birmingham City in 2013 after impressing in Scotland.
