Source: Northern_Echo
Boro keeper enjoys first England call
ENGLAND'S Under-21s take on Romania tonight in the first leg of their play-off to reach next year's European Championships and Middlesbrough's Jason Steele believes the experience of being in the squad will help him develop his game further.[LNB] The 20-year-old has been a ray of light in Boro's poor start to the season and his performances for Gordon Strachan's side have earned him his first call-up to Stuart Pearce's squad.[LNB] Despite being behind the likes of Scott Loach and Alex Smithies for the No 1 jersey, Steele is happy to be part of the squad and hopes the experience will improve him.[LNB] It's great just to be involved,[LNB] he said. I've only just started playing at Middlesbrough this season but I'm feeling good at the minute.[LNB] I'm with the Under-21s now and the lads are a couple of years older than me but it's good to get to know them and train with them, so it's a great experience for me.[LNB] Although this is Steele's first call-up to the Under 21s, the Boro stopper is no stranger to representing his country and knows Pearce's side face a difficult task in their double header with Romania.[LNB] I've played in finals tournaments for the U17s, U19s and hopefully I can be part of this squad if we were to qualify.[LNB] But that's a big if at the minute. We have two very tough games against Romania to come, but hopefully we can do it.[LNB] We've got to go out and win. Romania will be a good side, they obviously won their group, and they play a quick counter-attacking style. We'll have to do everything we can to win the game.[LNB] But we have a great bunch of boys here in the squad. We've just got to go out there and give it our best shot and hopefully it's good enough.[LNB] Sunderland duo Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are also in the squad and the pair will be hoping to repeat their impressive display against Lithuania last month, which saw Welbeck score twice and Henderson bag an assist.[LNB] Carrow Road is tonight's venue and will be a sell-out.[LNB] Steele added: Everyone loves to play in front of big crowds and Friday will be no exception.[LNB] It's a massive game anyway, but to have 25,000 England fans behind us will be great for the lads. Hopefully we can deliver a good result.[LNB] Middlesbrough are inviting season ticket holders to the launch night of the club's latest DVD, Boro Blitz' at the Riverside, where stars of past and present will be there to meet fans.[LNB] The DVD will be premiered on October 13 at 6pm where David Wheater and Gary O'Neil will be joined by legends Gary Pallister and Craig Hignett and the free places at the event are available on a first come, first served basis.[LNB] To apply, season card holders should quote their name and Boro ID on an email titled Boro Blitz Event' to supporters@ mfc.uk, stating how many places they require, up to a maximum of four.[LNB] Bristol City's bid to build a new stadium capable of being part of England's 2018 World Cup bid has been backed by Bristol Rugby Club.[LNB] The proposed 30,000 allseater arena at Ashton Vale is under threat amid plans to give the site village green status'.[LNB] City have launched an e-petition, targeting 30,000 signatures, and the rugby club have lent their support to their football counterparts.[LNB]
