Darren Randolph, Dimitri Payet And Martin Samuelsen Play International Matches

Two West Ham players were involved in deadline day international matches, with differing results. Ireland’s No.1 was in action again in Robbie Keane’s last international and promising winger Martin Samuelsen appeared for Norway against Belarus whilst there were also an appearance for star man Dimitri Payet.

Darren Randolph

Ireland’s keeper was in decent form at the Euro’s earlier this summer, showing Europe what we already knew. Randolph is a Premier League level keeper, it makes a change for us to have two rather than one/none.
He only played the second half of Keane’s international send off, as Ireland ran out 4-0 winners over Oman. The game was fairly sedate, especially as it was 3-0 at half time. As such Randolph had very little to do, and wasn’t troubled at all.
They have a different proposition on the 5th, when they travel to face Serbia in a World Cup qualifier.  I expect Randolph to play from the start in what will be a tough game. How will the Boys In Green manage without their talisman of a striker? Wither way I think they’ve got a decent chance of playing in Russia 2018 with this man between the sticks.

Martin Samuelsen

The young Norweigan winger continued his fledgling international career against Belarus. Like Randolph he played only the second half, and didn’t have too much to do.

Norway are not an international force, and Belarus are a side more than capable of shutting up shop. There will certainly be more open games for the tricky and pacey winger to show his magic on the big stage.
Samuelsen is of course on loan at Blackburn but is yet to make an appearance. Having been on loan at a lower league previously I think he could make a great Championship player, and eventually a top top player in both the Premier League and on an international stage.

Dimitri Payet

It’s September and he’s still ours. Not many other fans predicted that!
However he is here and regaining match fitness. He again only played in the second half as France beat Italy 3-1 to continue their Euros form. Payet wold be a first team man if not for his lack of fitness, and he should be back for West Ham soon.
Many fans were curious as to how much he could play given the club’s repeated assurances he was unfit. Given the fact he is still at the club there is not much panic, but I was glad he didn’t start. That would have made me suspicious the club had other motives, but it was all OK.

West Ham Players To Watch

There’s only one man I’m excited for this weekend, and that’s Mickail Antonio. The former Nottingham Forest man got himself a call up to England and he couldn’t be prouder. To see his face after the call up was exactly what it should mean to everyone. Sunday at 5pm. I so hope he gets a game, he deserves it.