Talent of Steer clear - Jackson

29 January 2012 14:17

Goalscorer Simeon Jackson hailed the performance and nerves of steel shown by debutant goalkeeper Jed Steer in Norwich's 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round triumph over West Brom.

Substitute Jackson scored an 85th-minute winner at the Hawthorns after Albion striker Marc-Antoine Fortune had cancelled out Grant Holt's opening goal. But the star for the Canaries was 19-year-old Steer who pulled off a string of fine saves including two from Shane Long and Joe Mattock in the dying seconds to deny the Baggies a replay.

"Jed's debut was unreal. I watched him from the bench during the first half and he was outstanding from start to finish," said Jackson.

"He was one of the reasons we got the result. I see him every day in training and he is as good as he showed. When I was 19, I was a bag of nerves when I came on to the pitch but he came out oozing confidence.

"You have to be a strong character being a goalkeeper. He is quite quiet but an outstanding keeper and has done his chances no harm."

Norwich manager Paul Lambert echoed Jackson's sentiments and said: "I think he has got the makings to be a top keeper. He looks mature for his age and people have to remember he is only a kid. If he keeps level-headed, and always being humble about his career, he will have a massive career.

"There is no doubt a loan spell at Yeovil was great for him. He did fine down there. But I think, no disrespect to Yeovil, to play in an FA Cup tie against a Premier League side is a bit different. I would have no fear about throwing him in again."

Jackson believes Norwich can take heart from the likes of unfancied Millwall, Portsmouth, Cardiff and Birmingham who have all reached major finals in cup competitions in recent years.

He said: "The FA Cup excites players, it is a big tournament, the biggest in the country, and to still be in it is a great achievement. If the big teams continue to go out, it could open out for a team like Norwich.

"It has been quite a bit like that in recent years. The big teams knock each other out and a smaller one comes through and does well. You can take heart from the fact teams like Cardiff and Portsmouth have got to the final in recent years. It gives us confidence."

Source: PA