Neill: I've Got My Work Cut Out

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill has admitted he’s got plenty of work to do to ensure he gets a regular game at new club Everton in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup.

The 31-year-old Australian, who played a full game at right-back in Saturday's 3-0 loss at Old Trafford, has made six appearances (four starts) for Everton since joining as a free agent in September.

Neill hasn't nailed down his spot in the Toffees' side yet but told the Everton website: "It's always nice to play.

"I've just to keep working in training and when you get the chance to play you've got to try and put a good workload in.

"It's not up to me to decide if I've done enough to stay in for the next game but I hope I've put something in the manager's mind to keep getting picked."

The former West Ham man faces stiff competition to claim the right-back position on a regular basis with Tony Hibbert, Johnny Heitinga and currently injured captain Phil Neville all capable of playing the role.

"It's a friendly rivalry and kind of good for the manager because he's got the choice of various players to play in the positions," said Neill.

"Of course he doesn't have Johnny and I for European games, that's something which will come in January when hopefully we'll be knocking on the door for places in Europe and the League."

Neill was kept busy at Manchester United on the weekend with Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs down the left, but the Aussie hopes his Everton side can now bounce back after Saturday's loss.

The Toffees are struggling down in 14th this season but can improve their league standing in a catch-up fixture at Hull City on Wednesday.

Neill added: "We move on now. We have to be positive. We created chances at the end of the game at Manchester United and we will have to create those chances at Hull.

"We've got to bounce back. That's what it's all about now. No-one expected us to win at United. We came and tried but it didn't happen.

"Now we move on and Hull away is definitely a game that we need to win and push ourselves up the table."
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