LUCAS NEILL REGRETS

By Mighty Reds
October 6 2006

Lucas Neill has been speaking ahead of the friendly, Australia v Paraguay, about the failed transfer deal to Liverpool in August.

The last minute deal failed to materialise because Mark Hughes, Blackburn manager, wanted Stephen Warnock as part of the deal. Rafael Benitez refused as Warnock had been told he’s still part of his plans this season and so for Neill the disappointment remains.

He said:

"I was linked with Liverpool most famously, and no player in their right mind would not want the opportunity to go to a club like that, with so much history and prestige.
"The deal that was presented to the club at the time from Liverpool was not in Blackburn's best interests, therefore I didn't have a say and I didn't move on.
"It's unfortunate for my career that it didn't go that way, but as a professional I have to move on.
"But now I'm hopefully in just as good a position when those opportunities present themselves again in January, or if not then, I'll get a free transfer in June."
Steve Finnan and Lee Peltier are the only recognised right backs in the squad and with Peltier now injured it looks likely that Rafa will move for Neill again in January. If Blackburn refuse Neill will go free in the summer.