BLACKBURN defender Lucas Neill has been told he can walk away from the World Cup with his head held high - even though it was his error which ultimately cost the Australians their place in the finals.

Neill was said to be inconsolable' last night after he conceded the 90th minute penalty that gifted 10-man Italy a place in the last eight in Germany.

But as Neill surveyed the wreckage of his World Cup dreams, he was offered some words of encouragement from the Socceroos' assistant coach, Graham Arnold, who described the 28-year-old as one of the players of the tournament'.

"He's without doubt been the form player of the tournament," said Arnold, as he looked to take some crumbs of comfort from the Aussies' exit.

Socceroos boss, Guus Hiddink, said: "He (Lucas) was very sad in the locker room you feel guilty if you cause a penalty but in his case it was so bitter.

"That makes it doubly sad for him not actually committing a foul."

Neill is now expected to take a well-earned break before pre-season starts in three weeks' time.

But when he does return to England early next month, Rovers will look to re-open contract negotiations with a player whose stock has risen considerably following a string of impressive performances at the World Cup.

Rovers' chairman John Williams said: "A contract is waiting for Lucas when he returns, he knows that, and we are keen to start negotiations."