ROVERS keeper John Filan today backed Lucas Neill to make a big impact on the Premiership if manager Graeme Souness decides to press ahead with a move for the Millwall midfielder.

As we exclusively revealed yesterday, the 23-year-old is currently on trial at Ewood following a recommendation by former boss Ray Harford.

And Filan is urging Souness to snap up the talented wide-man from under the noses of a host of Premiership rivals after being hugely impressed by his fellow countryman whenever they've played together for Australia.

"I think Lucas could become a great player if someone gives him the chance because he's got everything you need to cut it in the Premiership," said Filan.

"He's got a good knowledge of the English game, he's got great skill and he's a real athlete so he just needs someone to show a bit of belief in him.

"He's still only 23 and, from what I've seen of him from Australia, he has the attitude to succeed.

"So, if the manager decides to sign him, then I think he could turn out to be a very valuable addition to the squad."

Neill's form for Millwall last season attracted a posse of admirers with Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Tottenham all thought to be monitoring his situation.

But, after he slapped in a written transfer request at the weekend, Rovers boss Souness then jumped to the head of the queue by inviting him to Ewood for a trial.

And, if he impresses over the next few days, then Rovers will press ahead with a deal which could see him sign for around £750,000 -- although it is unlikely anything will be pushed through before Saturday's game at Sunderland.

"I spoke to Lucas yesterday and he seems very keen to join," added Filan.

"And I think it would be a great move for him to come to a club like Blackburn because he'll get the chance to train and play at the highest level."

ROVERS medical staff were today checking on the fitness of keeper John Filan after he injured his back during the warm-up ahead of the reserves' game with Liverpool last night.

The Aussie stopper did appear for the first half but was then substituted at half-time as a precaution ahead of Saturday's trip to The Stadium of Light.