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Brighton & Hove Albion have been handed a significant boost with the return of experienced goalkeeper Jason Steele, who has made his comeback after a 13-match spell on the sidelines due to shoulder surgery.
The 33-year-old last appeared in a competitive match during Brighton’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Norwich City back in January. Since then, the Seagulls have had to navigate a stretch of fixtures without the leadership and composure of their seasoned shot-stopper.
Now fully recovered, Steele marked his return by completing 90 minutes for Brighton’s under-21 side in a 2-0 win over Reading in Premier League 2, signaling that he is closing in on a return to senior action.
During Steele’s absence, Brighton were forced to recall goalkeepers Carl Rushworth and Tom McGill from their loan spells to provide backup. While Rushworth featured on the bench for Premier League matches, McGill was listed for FA Cup ties, as Rushworth was ineligible due to being cup-tied. Neither, however, saw first-team minutes, as No. 1 Bart Verbruggen remained available and performed reliably throughout the period.
Although Steele may not yet be ready for selection for Brighton’s upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford, his availability represents a timely reinforcement for head coach Fabian Hürzeler, especially as the Seagulls aim to secure a strong finish to their league campaign.
Speaking earlier this year after Steele’s injury was confirmed, Hürzeler emphasized the goalkeeper’s importance beyond his on-pitch contributions:
*”Jason is a tremendous leader. His influence stretches far beyond the goalposts — he sets an example with his professionalism, attitude, and presence in the dressing room. He’s someone who speaks up, who brings honesty and integrity, and that’s vital for the group,”* said the Brighton boss.
Brighton currently sit 10th in the Premier League with six games remaining. With European qualification still within reach, the return of a dependable figure like Steele could provide the club with an added layer of experience and leadership at a crucial point in the season.
That need for consistency and resilience was echoed by Albion midfielder Matt O’Riley following their recent 2-2 draw with Leicester. O’Riley admitted the team’s drop in intensity late in the game allowed their opponents back into the contest, highlighting a recurring issue with Brighton’s performances.
*”We stopped showing for the ball and lost our aggression — that’s something the top sides don’t do,”* said O’Riley. *“We’ve got the quality, but the difference between good and great teams is consistency. We need to show up with the same hunger every game, regardless of who we face.”*
With Steele’s return adding depth and leadership, and European ambitions still alive, Brighton will hope to find that consistency and end the campaign on a high.
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