Olympic memory inspires Steele

READY: Jason Steele STEVE MILLAR JASON STEELE still gets goosebumps thinking about the part he played in the 2012 London Olympics.

Steele, 26, then at Middlesbrough, was drafted into the GB football team and remembers the chill down the spine he got from an inspiring Dame Kelly Holmes (below) pep talk.

Pictures of Sir Chris Hoy were taken and albums of the time spent in the Olympic Village are treasured memories.

And now the Blackburn No.1 admits it is another “goosebump” moment facing the might of Manchester United today in the FA Cup.

Steele said: “I remember we walked from the village to the stadium. We got a picture with Sir Chris which was pretty special.

“Dame Kelly met us in the village. I’ve got pictures all over and I know it’s something I will treasure forever.

“I will show my kids when they get older. I’m getting goosebumps thinking about it now. It was special. Dame Kelly did speak to us when we first went to the village. “She told us all about what to expect. Just to be about the place was special.

“The athletes were streets ahead of everyone football-wise. How hard they work, what they put their bodies through.

“After watching them prepare, I went back home and changed my whole routine for the start of training.

“Before I would just roll up, have a cup of coffee and go into training.”

And Steele has taken that knowledge on board and is ready to face United.

He said: “Now it will be another goosebump moment for sure – just walking out and playing against Manchester United. We are in a no-lose situation because nobody really expects us to do anything.

“Apart from the lads in the dressing room, nobody gives us a cat in hell’s chance.

“And if I manage to keep a clean sheet you probably won’t see me for a few days.”