Taking on United is small fry to Steele

FACING Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round today won’t be the greatest sporting occasion Blackburn keeper Jason Steele has taken part in.

As a member of Great Britain’s London 2012 football squad, Steele participated in the opening ceremony watched by a global TV audience of 900million and says the experience of rubbing shoulders with the world’s greatest athletes inspired him.

‘It was really special — I get goosebumps thinking about it even now,’ says Steele (right). ‘I remember the walk from the village to the stadium, we had a picture with Chris Hoy and met Kelly Holmes. I’ve got videos and a picture album I’ll show my kids when they’re older.

‘Our matches were all over the country so we only spent about three days in the village.

‘But seeing how the athletes trained and prepared their bodies, they were streets ahead of everyone football-wise. We work hard for the purpose of playing at the weekend — they do it every day hour upon hour because that’s what’s required to get a gold medal.

‘I went home and changed my whole routine for the start of training. I prepared my body better. Before I’d just roll up, have a cup of coffee and start.’ The visit of the cup holders gives Steele and his Rovers team-mates a welcome distraction.

Attendances have dwindled as fans protest against the club’s Venky’s owners and the team are second bottom of the Championship having won just one of their last six.

‘I’m looking forward to the atmosphere because you know United will bring 8,000 and that carries you through, you know you have to be switched on,’ adds Steele. ‘We’ve shown by winning in front of 52,000 at St James’ Park, it can motivate us. It’s a good distraction. There’s no pressure. Nobody gives us a cat in hell’s chance.’