Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer deserves his chance to become number one next season?
Aston Villa supporters may still be reeling from the exit of loan star Sam Johnstone this summer, as some were hopeful he could become a permanent figure in goal after impressing last season.
However, the 25-year-old exited Manchester United for good on Tuesday and joined Midland rivals West Bromwich Albion for £6.5million, according to the BBC.
That leaves Villa manager Steve Bruce with a dilemma over his number one position ahead of next season, as the new Championship campaign fast approaches.
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Bruce already has goalkeepers Mark Bunn and Jed Steer in his ranks, with the latter fully deserving an opportunity in the 2018/19 campaign to nail down a starting position.
Steer has been extremely unfortunate with injuries in recent years, but the Villa manager has publicly praised him before and the Englishman is due this opportunity.
“Jed [Steer] pulled off two or three very good saves and I’m delighted for him, because he’s worked really hard to get back,” Bruce told Sky Sports last season after Villa beat Colchester United in August 2017.
“He ruptured his Achilles in my first week at the club but he’s a very decent goalkeeper and he got his rewards.”
Steer’s appearance against Colchester was just one of four senior games he managed last season, as he missed the second half of the campaign with a shoulder injury.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper is good enough to fill Johnstone’s void if he gets off to a good start and does have Championship experience under his belt from loans with Huddersfield.
He has become somewhat of a forgotten figure at Villa due to his lack of game time, but the next 12 months could be the making of him if Bruce has faith.
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