Neill set to cash in on dream year

The memorable season for Socceroos defender Lucas Neill is set to reach new heights, with Blackburn manager Mark Hughes ready to offer his star right-back a blockbuster new deal.

With Australia qualifying for this year's World Cup and the Rovers stunning performance in this season's English Premier League, the 28-year old is enjoying one of the brightest patches in his professional career.

Neill has 14 months left on his contract at Ewood Park, but could be potentially targeted by some of England's biggest clubs if no new deal is arranged before the end of the year.

Rovers are eager to hand Neill a long-term contract in the coming weeks, as an impressive performance at the World Cup in Germany might spark further interest - and drive his price-tag up considerably.

"We've had preliminary talks with Lucas's camp, so the process has started with his intermediaries," Blackburn chairman John Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

He might be one of the lesser-lights of Australia's English Premier League contingent, but his impressive performances for club and country are finally being noticed.

Neill was originally snapped up in 1995 by London club Millwall, who he joined after completing his scholarship at the AIS in Canberra.

The combative defender played 170 games for the Lions before he caught the eye of then-Blackburn boss Graeme Souness, who signed Neill for A$2.45 million in September 2001.

He's now emerged as a key figure in the Blackburn revival, and the Lancashire club - currently fifth in the Premiership - could qualify for the UEFA Champions League if they finish the season strongly.

Former Rovers legend Glenn Keeley believes that Neill is now one of elite players in Blackburn's impressive lineup.

"In the past, Lucas's form has been a bit hit and miss, and he went through a spell where he had disciplinary problems," Keeley said.

"But this season he appears to have cleaned up his act, without managing to lose any of his natural aggression."

"Under Mark (Hughes), he's managed to achieve a level of consistency that was perhaps missing from his game in the past and you've got to say he must be a contender for player of the year."

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