Friday 3 June 2016 06:05, UK
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph has conceded he is still coming to terms with his involvement in Euro 2016.
The West Ham goalkeeper will travel to France with Shay Given, one of his boyhood heroes, who he recalls trying to emulate during past international tournaments.
Now the 29-year-old has the prospect of representing his country in a major competition for the first time, and he expects Given's experience will help him deal with the situation.
Randolph said: "You are running around the pitch with your mates when you are younger calling out names of different players from different World Cups and European Championships, and it will be surreal to be there myself, involved in one.
"Shay is one of the names, yes. He was around then as well, so he would have been one of them, yes. Not only Irish goalkeepers, but most goalkeepers, he's up there with the top ones.
"It's always good to have any experienced player there, especially someone with his experience. I was reading the programme the other day - 133 caps, or 134 after last night - that's invaluable."
Ireland boss Martin O'Neill rarely gives anything away about his team selection, even to the players, but Randolph and his fellow goalkeepers have become used to that.
"It's how he works. It has been that way since he first came into the job. You go out and train, train hard and we know he's not going to have the team until we get to the changing room," Randolph said.
"Everyone just prepares like you're going to play if you get the nod - and if you don't get the nod, be prepared to come on."
