Manager Alan Pardew believes rookie goalkeeper Darren Randolph can lay permanent claim to Charlton's number-one jersey if he comes through a baptism of fire at Anfield on Sunday.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is set to face full-strength Liverpool side ahead of their Champions League final in Athens, as Rafa Benitez prepares his side for a second triumph in Europe inside two years.

Randolph, 19, has yet to play a first-team game for the Addicks, who were relegated on Monday following their 2-0 defeat against Tottenham at The Valley.

But he will step in as regular keeper Scott Carson cannot play under the terms of his season-long loan deal from the Reds.

The Dublin-born player is the son of American basketball player Ed Randolph, one of the first American imports into the Irish basketball league, and has himself represented his country in that sport.

Charlton boss Pardew has already started his summer rebuilding and has revealed he hopes to announce a new signing for the club after the Liverpool game.

And he believes Randolph, who enjoyed loan spells at Accrington and Gillingham this season, will relish his opportunity to shine in a big stadium as he attempts to put his marker down to be the Addicks' number one next season.

"Darren deserves his chance because every day he's been out there training hard," said Pardew, who revealed he will be signing a goalkeeper to challenge for the jersey in the summer.

"That's the side of the game that you don't see, professionals whose route into the first team is blocked by a very good player.

"He has been professional all season and he will get his reward. And I hope that we - and I mean the 10 outfield players in front of him, the subs, the manager and the coaching staff - all do him the justice that he deserves.

"It is a tough call for us. The psychology of relegation on Monday night has affected us, and myself, my staff and the senior players are trying to make sure we stay on our game because we don't want to end with a really bad defeat at the end of a season which has not been the best."

Madjid Bougherra and Lloyd Sam will also be given a chance to show their desire for a starting berth next season and Pardew added: "They've also been blocked by some very good performances this season.

"They may now get the chance to show their wares. It could be an opportunity for them on Sunday to stake their claim for next year."

This time last year Pardew was priming his West Ham side for a first FA Cup final appearance in 26 years, which they eventually lost on penalties against Liverpool.

The opposition are the same for his last game of the season this time around, though the stakes have been lowered considerably.

"I will be looking at individual players because I think it is a test of your character. They have been relegated and I think there is a certain way to deal with that," added Pardew.

"We are carrying two or three younger players. I have watched the training ground this week and there have been one or two who have disappointed me in all honesty.

"There have also been one or two who have made me change my opinion of them because they showed me they cared more than I thought. This is the sort of scenario we are in. I have not experienced it before so it has been good knowledge for us all."