The Villa goalkeeper was the hero as he kept out two spot kicks against the Baggies in their Championship playoff semi-final second leg.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer has shared what went through his mind as he prepared to take part in the high-stakes penalty shootout against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.
The Hawthorns hosted the second leg of the Championship playoff semi-final between the Baggies and Villa, and after the standard 90 minutes were up, the tie was evenly poised at 2-2.
With West Brom winning 1-0 on the night to offset the 2-1 Villa win from last weekend, the game went to extra time, but as no goals were scored, the game went to penalties.
Steer saved the first two spot kicks, which paved the way for Tammy Abraham to rifle home the winner from 12 yards and book a second playoff final slot in a row.
The 26-year-old admitted that he had never taken part in a penalty shootout before but said he was not feeling nervous and had practised plentifully in the week leading up to the game.
“When it went to penalties, I was looking forward to it,” he told the Villa website. “I’ve never actually been in a penalty shootout before. I had a slight feeling that I might save one. But to save two was great. It was a good night. What went through my mind? Save them! It was as simple as that.
“We’d practiced penalties leading up to it. Over the last week or so, I think I’ve faced about 150 penalties. What a feeling to save two in a shoot-out. Also, let’s not forget, our boys have still got to stick it in the net. They held their nerve and finished it off.”
The Championship final takes place on Monday 27 May at Wembley Stadium, where Dean Smith’s side will be up against either Leeds United or Derby County, who contest their playoff semi-final second leg on Wednesday night.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
