BLACKBURN new-boy Lucas Neill today revealed former Rovers boss Ray Harford played a crucial role in persuading him his future lay at Ewood after he completed his dream move from Millwall yesterday.

The 23-year-old Aussie went straight into today's squad for the trip to Sunderland after Rovers rushed through a £600,000 deal in time to beat yesterday's noon deadline.

And, after putting pen to paper on a lucrative four year contract, Neill then confessed he owed it all to Harford, who was director of football during Neill's time at the New Den.

"There were a few other clubs interested but when Ray Harford suggested Blackburn I'd didn't have to think twice," said Neill, who had also attracted interest off Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

"He'd already spoken very highly of the club and he'd sold it to me before I arrived.

"So I'm over the moon now it's all been sorted. It's definitely the right thing for my career.

"When I came up here on Tuesday all the boys made me feel welcome straight away. There's a fantastic atmosphere here and fantastic facilities so when manager Graeme Souness asked me if I wanted to make it permanent I jumped at the chance because this is a fantastic opportunity for me. "It's always been a dream of mine to play in the Premiership and it's very close to reality now.

"I've always wanted to play at the highest level possible and now I've got to prove I'm worthy of it and show the same consistency as some of my fellow Australians have done.

"But my first priority is to help in any way I possibly can to make sure Blackburn stay in the Premiership this year, whether I play one minute or 30 games."

The competition for places is sure to be fierce, especially in Neill's favoured position on the right where Keith Gillespie, Jason McAteer and Damien Johnson are currently fighting it. "And the Australian international knows he has his work cut out.

But one of his main strengths is his versatility, having played in a variety of positions for Millwall over the past five seasons.

So he is confident that when an opportunity does present itself, he will seize it with both hands.

"Of course there's a lot of competition here but someone else's misfortune is another one's opportunity," said Neill.

"There's a few players here who are either injured or out of favour so, if I get my chance, I'm going to take it because that's the way football works these days. "I'm a versatile player who probably played just about everywhere at Millwall so I'm one of those people who doesn't really care where they play, as long as I get a game."

And if he can become a regular over the next nine months, then that will boost his chances of appearing in next summer's World Cup.

"It will definitely give me a much better opportunity to be a regular in the squad," added Neill.

"We've got a game left to qualify for the World Cup in November and I've got to show signs of improvement at Blackburn in order to justify my inclusion."

Ironically, Souness has handed McAteer a lifeline this weekend after naming him in his squad to face Sunderland.

The Republic of Ireland international hasn't started a game for Rovers in nearly five months.

But Souness has hinted he could still have a future at Ewood if he wants one.

"Jason's situation is just the same as Keith Gillespie's was a year ago when he was out of the side," said Souness.

"It's just a fact of life that Keith has got the shirt now. "Jason will have to take it on the chin and fight for his place like everyone else. He said we've had differences but I don't see it that way.

"I've got no argument with Jason McAteer, he's still part of the squad at Blackburn and I'm certainly not ruling him out of my plans this season." Despite those sentiments, however, the player's agent, Dave Lockwood, is still actively seeking a move for the 30-year-old.

And a number of clubs from Italy and Spain have registered their interest in the wake of his exploits for Ireland last weekend.

"With Blackburn's approval, I've been involved in ongoing discussions with a number of clubs for the past few weeks," said Lockwood.

"That includes clubs from both Italy and Spain.

"But there is no truth in the stories which have linked him with Newcastle. I can categorically deny that. He is not on their hit-list."

"There has been increased interest since the weekend but it's not as though he's just had one good game. He performed excellently against Croatia last month.

"Jason is an international class player with a lot of qualities, so he will not rush into the wrong move. He has two years left on his contract and will sit it out if needs be.

"Aside from the fact that he is not playing, Jason is actually quite happy at Blackburn.

"He likes the people there, gets on with the other players and is well liked by the fans."

Roy Hodgson's Udinese are thought to be among the clubs who have expressed an interest in the 30-year-old.