Neill unlucky to miss out on award

Lucas Neill can count himself unlucky for missing out on one of three nominations for the Asian Football Confederation’s footballer of the year award after making the top five earlier.

The defender has continued his career since leaving Premier League side, Everton, by plying his trade in the Middle East, first with Galatasaray, before heading to UAE Pro-League side, Al-Jazira.

However, having failed to make an impact, despite helping the Abu Dhabi club to the UAE Presidents Cup last season, he was released and now finds himself at Dubai-based side, Al Wasl.

Although fallen into relative obscurity since his stint at Goodison Park ended three years ago, Neill has continued his high level of performances on the field.

The 34-year-old still offers his services to his national side and played a full 90 minutes in a friendly during Australia’s 3-1 defeat to Scotland back in September.

Indeed, it is at international level where Neill is still recognised by fans betting on soccer as a quality defender.

Neill has played every game of Australia’s World Cup qualifying campaign, completing 900 minutes of action despite playing at a relatively low standard of domestic league football.

Two yellow cards this campaign proves he still has that bite that scared Premier League strikers for years.

This snub from the AFC is unlikely to get Neill down, however. Throughout his career, the Sydney man has proven his mental toughness to overcome injuries, relegation, and World Cup disappointment.

He is steely, determined and altogether a solid defender that plays with his heart on his sleeve.

Certainly, this is what Australia will need as they enter four more World Cup qualifying games next year, with a difficult trip to Japan coming in July.

Brazil 2014 is just around the corner and, if Neill keeps turning heads like he has done at the AFC this November, he may well surprise fans who gamble with Bet365 by booking his seat on the plane in two years’ time.