Randolph impressed by West Ham’s growing squad depth

Darren Randolph insists West Ham United are building an impressive squad depth that will stand them in good stead for the second half of the campaign.

The Hammers secured their first cleansheet of 2017 in downing Crystal Palace last weekend, a game highlighted by Andy Carroll’s magnificent bicycle kick.

But it was the introduction of the likes of James Collins and Sam Byram in the second half – as well as the performance of Michail Antonio that really stood out for the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

“Ginge (Collins) and Sam (Bryam) came in and even Michail Antonio had a fever in the days before the game and he put in a good shift. He had three assists in about 15 minutes, so he should be sick more often,” joked Randolph.

“This game showed how much you need a squad because we needed bodies and players who could come in and do a job, which they did. They came into the team and didn’t look like they needed time to settle.

“Again, we produced good performances all around and got what we deserved.”

And after a difficult week off the pitch that saw West Ham bow out of the FA Cup at home and see Dimitri Payet hand in a transfer request, Randolph is confident the fans will keep the faith as they rose to 12th in the Premier League table.

“It was the loudest it has been inside London Stadium for a few games. You could feel the backing that not only the team but the manager had,” he added.

“The whole stadium got behind us and got behind the manager and the fans showed their faith and belief they have in him.”