The Sunderland ‘keeper joined the Black Cats in the summer but has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Robbin Ruiter.
Steele was close to securing a deadline day move away to Derby County, however, the switch failed to materialise.
The 27-year-old former Blackburn Rovers ‘keeper arrived in Sunderland last summer and had a promising start to his Black Cats career.
Unfortunately for Steele, the arrival of Robbin Ruiter saw him slip down the pecking order, and Lee Camp’s recent addition to the squad has seen competition for the number one shirt increase once more.
In total, Steele has made 12 appearances for Sunderland this season but, despite the failed move, he gave assurance over his commitment to the club.
Speaking to the Sunderland website Steele said: “It wasn’t a case of me wanting to leave or the manager wanting me out, it was just that an opportunity arose that suited both parties and was worth looking at.
“It didn’t happen and I’m still here, so all that’s left to do now is keep working hard as I always do.”
Steele turned out for the club’s under-23 side in a bid to regain some match fitness and promised he would be ready to be called upon at any time.
The Black Cats currently sit 23rd in the table, two points from safety and are still in dire need of a strong run of games to avoid the drop for the second consecutive year.
“I have a responsibility to the club and my teammates to help in any way I can, and even though I wasn’t involved on Saturday I made sure I went down and saw everyone before the game to wish them luck, especially Lee [Camp] ahead of his debut,” Steele added.
“I’ll continue to do that because the team will always come before anyone’s personal agenda, and that’s the way it should be.”
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