Jason Steele has been backed to seize his Albion chance as he closes in on a move south.

The former England under-21 goalkeeper is expected to complete his escape from relegated Sunderland and sign for the Seagulls.

Steele endured a tough time at the Stadium of Light but his former coach John Keeley says Albion are bringing in a talented keeper and an easy-going character.

Keeley, the former Seagulls goalkeeper who was Steele’s specialist coach at Blackburn Rovers, told The Argus: “He’s a good lad. He will settle in quickly with everyone.

“He’s a good shot-stopper, he reads the game well and he is always on the front foot.

“He made good saves. He is good at passing the ball out. When we had him those were the things he did well for us.”

Steele received some criticism on Wearside as Sunderland headed towards a second successive relegation.

But Keeley insisted: “For me, he looks a good signing.

“When you are playing for a team on a downward spiral it is hard.

“I wouldn’t take too much notice of that.

“He’s a good lad, a nice kid as people will soon find out. We had him on loan and he did so well we got him on a three-year contract.

“He will do a good job.

“He will be playing and training with better players.”