Neill set for City return?

  • by Matthew O'Greel
  • Friday, 17th August 2007

Lucas Neill could be in the frame for a return to action as early as this weekend.

The 29-year-old full-back sustained a knee injury during training on 6th August and was expected to be out until early September. But according to the player himself, he is ready for a return to action - and could be named in the squad to face Birmingham tomorrow.

"I'm almost fit," Neill told Skysports. "The manager's got a tough decision now whether to possibly risk me at 95% fit.

"Maybe if I got injured again I could be out for a month, or does he wait until I've got a full week of training in so I can be 100% fit for Wigan? I'll leave that down to him, but either way I won't be disappointed."

Club captain Neill also expressed his delight over the capture of Kieron Dyer, who joined the Hammers yesterday in a deal worth around £7m.

"The guy's got great attributes, he's pacy and very skillful - but more importantly, he'll have a point to prove and that'll only benefit West Ham," he said.

"He's had a frustrating period in his career where he's probably been on the sidelines more than he's played. Some people have questioned his ability, some people have doubted him.

"But for us to have him, and for him wanting to put the record straight and get his career back on track can only be a good thing for West Ham - and I'm looking forward to it."

Looking back at last weekend's home defeat against suprise package Manchester City, Neill added that although disappointed by the defeat, the squad had not become disheartened as a result.

"I suppose it was a bad day at the office really. We tried to start fast, we tried a quick tempo but the passing was off and as a result we lost the momentum and they scored crucial goals at key times," he said.

"We couldn't recover, and we didn't take the chances we'd created. In the end, and because we'd been so eager to get off to a good start I suppose we forgot to come out and make sure we were focused properly and play right.

"All the boys were deeply disappointed but quick to get it out of the system - and we're really looking forward to putting the record straight on Saturday."

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