MARK Hughes has defended his decision to give Lucas Neill the Blackburn Rovers captain's armband, insisting the contract rebel is the best man for the job'.

The decision to appoint the Aussie as skipper has not won universal approval on the terraces, with some Blackburn fans claiming Neill is unworthy of such honour because of his refusal to sign a new deal with the club.

However, Hughes is adamant the extra responsibility that comes with leading the team has helped to focus Neill's mind during the early weeks of the season.

And he has praised the 28-year-old's attitude since he saw a move to Liverpool collapse on transfer deadline day after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.

The Rovers boss said: "I don't know why some people should have a problem with Lucas being captain because whenever he has had the responsibility in the past, he has taken it and done well.

"He drives himself and his team-mates on, he is vocal in the dressing room, and he makes demands of himself.

"He may well have been disappointed to have missed out on a move to Liverpool, but it hasn't affected his performance on the pitch or on the training ground.

"I just judge him on the way he approaches his work, and what he tries to do for the team.

"He is playing well and I see him as the best guy for the armband at the moment."

Neill's refusal to sign a new contract has not endeared him to certain sections of the Rovers support; in fact, a very small minority chose to boo him during the opening weeks of the campaign.

However, Hughes has still not abandoned all hope of persuading the former Millwall man to commit his long-term future to the club before his present deal expires at the end of the season.

In the meantime, the Rovers boss seems happy for Neill to carry on skippering the side, at least until Ryan Nelsen recovers from the hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out until Christmas.

"The fans may think it's an unusual choice because of the uncertainty surrounding Lucas's future," said Hughes.

"But my only issue is how well he plays and the influence he has on the team, and he has been doing well in both respects.

"His future has still to be resolved, but it's probably a bit too soon to start addressing that."

at this stage, so we'll look at it again in a month or so."