Australian Exits

So Australia are out of the World Cup.

I guess most English football fans will have been pleasantly surprised by the Socceroos. They seem to have gelled together in a way they don't individually in the Premiership and a way that England have so far failed to do in Germany. You could even start to feel sorry for the Aussies, particularly given the manner of the exit against Italy.

But what has the World Cup done for the only Rovers representatives, Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton?

Emerton underlined the fact that he is just so much unfulfilled potential, and has given vent to his frustrations about not being able to nail down a first team place at Rovers. Reports have been made of a desire to move to Everton. If he wants a regular start at Goodison he'll have to address the problems that have seen him slip down the pecking order at Ewood Park - a tendency to duck tackles, aimless dribbling and a reluctance to shoot. Is it any wonder that the big clubs are not waving their chequebooks in his direction?

And then there is Lucas Neill. While Ryan Nelson has quickly established himself as the fans' defensive favourite for the steel he has added to the backline, it is Rovers right-back who is now being linked with a big money move. The grounds for this rumour originiate in the Socceroos' coaching staff. Assistant coach Johan Neeskens is headed to Barcelona after the tournament and would like Neill to follow him. West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle have reportedly also registered interest. Rovers answer seems to lie in an upgraded contract, but whether this will be enough to keep hold of a talented player who clearly appreciates his own worth remains anyone's guess. One thing is certain - losing Neill would be as bad as losing Reid for Rovers' European ambitions.