MIDDLESBROUGH goalkeeper Darren Randolph has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for forthcoming friendlies against France and the United States.

Randolph, who was an ever-present for Boro in the Championship last season, will undergo minor abdominal surgery to ensure he is 100 per cent fit for the start of pre-season training.

As a result, he has been forced to withdraw from Martin O'Neill's squad for next week's friendly with France at the Stade de France and the following week's game with the United States in Dublin.