Hughes support for skipper
13 Dec 2006 - 11:22:57
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has refused to strip contract rebel Lucas Neill of the captaincy despite the defender being linked with a January exit.
The Australia international is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with transfer window moves to both Liverpool and Barcelona in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old was booed by the Ewood Park faithful during Saturday's defeat by Newcastle but Hughes insists Neill will continue to wear the captain's armband.
"Certain individuals in the crowd made their feelings known," said Hughes. "But if I feel that Lucas being the captain is an issue, I'll look at it.
"All he is doing at the moment is keeping his options open.
"As far as I'm concerned, Lucas has given many seasons of great service to Blackburn Rovers.
"If he does leave in January, and that will be my decision, I will be the first one to thank him for that service and shake his hand."