Former Sunderland keeper Steele has his confidence back ahead of Brighton debut

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele says he has regained his confidence heading into Albion's FA Cup clash with AFC Bournemouth this weekend, reports James Wootton.
Jason Steele in action for SunderlandJason Steele in action for Sunderland
Jason Steele in action for Sunderland

The 28-year-old signed in the summer from Sunderland but has been limited to just a handful of appearances this season, featuring only in the Checkatrade Trophy with Albion’s under-23 squad, but Brighton boss Chris Hughton has confirmed Steele will start at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Steele had a difficult time at Sunderland, with the club relegated from the Championship last season but he is relishing the competition for places at Brighton.

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He said: “It’s tough. Mat (Ryan) has been unbelievable the last year and a half, without a doubt he’s the number one goalkeeper here.

“I think me and Butts (David Button) both came here as an opportunity to develop again and especially in my own circumstances, a chance to regain my confidence and belief in my ability again and I feel like I’ve done that and hopefully I can show that on Saturday.”

Steele shed light on the difficulties of being down the pecking order, but remained in positive spirits despite his lack of game time for the Seagulls.

He said: “I’m the kind of character that tries to fit in as best I can and rub off a positive effect on all the boys, I try my best at that.

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“You want to play football, it’s what we all want to do. You want to be out there showcasing what you’re trying to do every day in training. Obviously as number two and number three you don’t really get that opportunity but it’s a team game. You’re there for your team mates, you try and be positive and keep encouraging. At the end of the day you make a lot of friends in football and you want them to succeed.”

Albion visit the Vitality Stadium for the second time in the space of 14 days, with a much-changed side anticipated from the side that drew with West Ham last night.

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