LUCAS NEILL'S manager and team-mates have hailed him a hero after making the breakthrough in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Portsmouth.

The Aussie put the events of the past week behind him as he swooped to set Rovers on their way to their first away win of the season at Fratton Park.

After the controversy following his reckless challenge that broke the leg of Liverpool's Jamie Carragher a week earlier, Souness was delighted to see Neill respond with his first goal in two years.

"I'm not surprised that Lucas responded like that because it just proves he is what I know he is - a man," said Souness.

"I've got to give him a special mention because he's had such a difficult week but we saw a better man and a better footballer on Saturday - he showed what he's really made of.

"He got on with the game and did very well.

"The last week is long behind us now, as it should have been last Tuesday or Wednesday but it did drag on a bit."

David Thompson led the tributes from the Blackburn players, who also witnessed Neill put in a commanding performance at the back to stifle Pompey's second half fightback.

"Lucas is such a mentally strong lad, he can take it," said Thompson.

"He is a bit fed up with everything that's gone on over the last week but it hasn't affected his game, as you saw out there.

"It was the right way to answer back and Lucas put in a quality performance.

"The goal meant a lot to him but it meant a lot to us as well because we really needed the result."

Andy Cole added to Neill's strike to make it 2-0 before half-time, making it five Premiership goals in six games for the in-form striker.

And Souness also expressed his satisfaction at the way Barry Ferguson has bedded into the midfield.

Souness said: "Good players like Barry Ferguson don't need time to settle in. If you are a good player and you understand the game, you don't need time.

"I can tell that from Barry and I've only worked with him for just over a week.

"As for Andy Cole, he has been on fire this year and we've got to keep him there.

"We managed to finish sixth last year and Cole had his worst return in the Premiership for about sixth or seven years, so if he gets the goals we could be looking higher.

"But our priority is to remain in the Premiership. The first aim for us is 40 points then the next one is to finish with more points than the year before."

Garry Flitcroft missed the trip to Portsmouth after suffering from back spasms and the skipper is doubtful to make the squad for Wednesday's UEFA Cup tie in Genclerbirligi.

Souness said: "There was no way we could risk Garry after the problems he's had with his back this week, and he's touch and go for the midweek game."