Neill signs up for four years

On the day Rovers opened talks with Aussie international Brett Emerton, Neill signed a deal which will keep him at Ewood until the summer of 2007.

Tying up the former Millwall man on a long-term contract is another significant piece of business for Rovers boss Souness.

And now the club hope that Emerton will follow suit after initial talks went well with the Feyenoord star and his agent yesterday.

"I'm delighted Lucas has agreed to sign a new deal," said Souness.

"He's been outstanding for us since he came to the club and I'm delighted to have him signed up for another four years because he's a very important member of our squad.

"We think he's a player who can only get better."

The timing of Neill's new deal could have huge significance in terms of Rovers' bid to land Emerton.

The two players are international team-mates and close friends so the fact that Neill has demonstrated his commitment to the cause can only strengthen Souness's hand at a delicate stage in negotiations.

Emerton met Rovers officials yesterday and was given a tour of the club's training facilities at Brockhall where he passed a provisional medical.

A fee has now been agreed with Feyenoord -- believed to be in the region of £3 million -- and talks over personal terms were due to commence today.

With several other clubs waiting in the wings, however, Rovers know there's still some way to go before a deal is formally in the bag.

Newcastle are thought to be watching developments closely and may try to make a last ditch to hijack the deal.

Nevertheless, Souness remains quietly confident he will get his man and he will tell the player he is a big part of his future plans.

"If we can get him then I see him becoming a very important part of our team," said Souness.

"Talks went well yesterday and we plan to hold further talks again today.

"Hopefully, we've got something positive to announce at the end of it."