Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Luke Steele has been praised for his “professionalism” during his time on loan at Millwall.
The 35-year-old has spent the season with the Lions, rejoining them in January once his first loan spell came to an end.
He has provided back-up for first-choice stopper Bartosz Bialkowski, largely being restricted to an unused substitutes’ role.
For your latest Forest news sign up to our newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page - or click here
Steele made two appearances for Millwall, both of them coming in the Carabao Cup last August.
He faces an uncertain future as his contract with the Reds is coming to an end, with the expectation he is likely to be released.
Boss Gary Rowett, though, says he was a model professional during his time in the capital.
Asked about the impact his loan players had in the campaign, Rowett said: “I think they’ve had a really good impact - all the way from Steeley, who’s not played but been unbelievable in training.
“He’s a great character, he comes in and works hard every day. It takes a special type of person to be able to do that when you’re not playing at the end of the week.”
He added: "Sometimes people think the season is about the players on the pitch.
“If you're not in the squad or on the bench a lot, haven't played much, to train so well and be so professional, that's just as important as the players on the pitch. It keeps the players motivated, it keeps them working.
"Steeley pushing Bart every day in training. He doesn't get much opportunity but ultimately his professionalism helps others perform.”
The last time Steele featured for Forest was in May 2019, with injuries having hampered his time at the club.
