JASON Steele is determined to help Blackburn Rovers to more wins and more clean sheets after being made to feel loved again.

The goalkeeper made his debut for the club on Saturday as Rovers returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at 10-man Fulham.

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It was only the second appearance that Steele had made in the last 10 months after surprisingly being frozen out by Aitor Karanka at Middlesbrough.

But you would never have guessed as the former England U21s international, who is on season-long loan from Boro, produced an impressively assured performance to help Rovers shut out an opposition for the first time this season.

“It was three big points and a clean sheet as well so we’re absolutely delighted,” said Steele, who made a superb save to deny Ross McCormack an equaliser after the predatory Jordan Rhodes netted what proved to be the winner.

“We didn’t play too well at times but to win any game in this league is tough, so we’re delighted.

“It was great to be back on the football pitch, as it’s been a while, so all credit to the gaffer and John Keeley the goalkeeping coach for bringing me in and giving me the bit of love that I needed.

“The gaffer said to me to go out there and do what I do best and do what I enjoy.”

Steele, who has made more than 130 appearances in the Championship despite being just 24, was told he was going to be handed his first start on Friday.

And the transfer deadline day arrival believes the fact that he has had nearly three weeks to settle into life at Ewood Park was one of the main reasons for his cool and composed display.

“I’ve been lucky because I came in the week before the international break so I’ve had a good few weeks with the boys.

“I knew a quite a lot of them already from playing against them and from playing in national teams and it goes without saying we’ve got a fantastic squad and group of players.

“Hopefully sky’s the limit and now it’s all about keeping winning, finding that winning formula, and keeping digging out results like we did on Saturday.”

The man to make way for Steele at Craven Cottage was Paul Robinson.

The club stated the absence of the former England number one – whose place in Gary Bowyer’s starting line-up has been coming under increasing pressure from Steele – from its matchday squad was due to a knee injury.

Rovers boss Bowyer said: “Robbo got a knock so we brought Jason in, he’s been dying for his opportunity, and when he took it he’s gone and a kept clean sheet so we’re delighted with him.”

Bowyer lost midfielders Lee Williamson and Tom Cairney to injury during Saturday’s match.

Williamson was left with a badly bruised leg after being the victim of an X-rated challenge from Shaun Hutchinson which led to the Fulham defender being sent off.

Cairney hurt his foot after being fouled by Cottagers left back Fernando Amorebieta early on.

Both players will be assessed in the lead up to Saturday’s home clash with Watford.