Lucas Neill: Did you know he sponsors two Aussies to go overseas each year?

Our key defender.

Lucas Neill obliges for a photo after today's press conference. A little tension in the air, between Coach Graham Arnold and the press.

I guess the importance of the game is hanging on Arnold's mind. Plus the press, in general, appear to focus on the negatives.

Still a win could relax everyone.

Lucas Neill? Well, he was relaxed, and smiling. Took it all in his stride.

Lucas Neill's salary has been discussed often in the Press recently. Not so well known is his contribution to young Australia players.

He contributes to two Australian players going for a week's trial in England every year.

Very impressive. Makes my heart warm to hear such a positive story from one of Australia's star men

Lucas Neill on the Asian Cup

Lucas is looking forward to the AFC Asian Cup 2007.

"It's a massive tournament, one we want to win. It's not often you get the chance to win an international tournament. To win one with Australia would be fantastic."

"The young guys that game in and played in China did really well. Its strange because I'm used to the old guys, and now we have some young guys who I've heard of but never met. They did really well."

"We've been through a transition period since the World Cup but there are a lot of young guys playing at a good level. They look to me as the one of the older guys, and I'm only 29. I don't feel old. But if I can give advice, and I hope its good well that's nice. It's funny to think that this was how I was not so long ago, asking the older guys for advice. Now I've got the responsibility and that's okay."