ROVERS defender Lucas Neill today backed Graeme Souness's bid to land Millwall midfielder Steven Reid.

Neill knows all about Reid's capabilities after the pair used to be team-mates at the First Division club.

And the tough-tackling Aussie believes the Republic of Ireland international has the potential to become a big-hit in the Premiership if he follows his lead and joins Rovers later this summer.

"Steven is a very powerful player who's very direct and athletic and his personality would also fit into this team," said Neill.

"When you look for a signing you look for someone who is going to better the squad and I certainly think he would do that given the right opportunities.

"He's got all the requirements to be a Premiership player and he's also very hungry, too.

"He wants to be there now and he's frustrated that he's not so I think it would be an ideal thing to happen.

"When I first came here he would ask me 'how's it going?' and I'd tell him and he used to say 'I can't wait, I can't wait. I'm going to get there myself.'

"So he's very determined to put himself in a position where he can play Premier League football and hopefully that's with us."

Rovers had a bid in the region of £2 million rejected for Reid last week.

But Souness remains a big fan of the player, who was recently voted the Young Irish player of the Year, and he will keep close tabs on the situation, after he came highly recommended by Neill.

"One or two have asked me how good he is but we've already played against him so we know what he's like," said Neill.

"They've also seen what he's done with Ireland in little patches.

"I know from experience that you soon pick up once you start training with Premiership players every week and your standards and your levels rise as a result.

"And I think the same would happen to him if he was given the chance."

Lions boss Mark McGhee also believes Reid has what it takes to perform in the Premiership but Rovers are currently not prepared to meet his £4 million valuation.

In the meantime, the player himself insists he is happy to stay at the New Den if a move fails to materialise this summer.

"I've seen the papers, but I've heard nothing," said Reid.

"I have two years left on my contract and I am looking forward to pre-season.

"Until the chairman or manager say they want to get rid of me or have accepted a bid, I am happy to play for Millwall."

Reid is currently battling back from a medial knee ligament injury and he is hoping to prove his fitness before the announcement of Ireland's team to meet Albania in their European Championship qualifying game, at Lansdowne Road, on Saturday.

The 22-year-old joined the rest of the Irish players belatedly after treatment in London for the injury and he was due for a run-out in a practice game against the Irish Under-21 squad this week.

"I am now able to move with much less restriction and generally my knee has held up well in training," he said, easing any fears he may miss the start of the season.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has denied Lorenzo Amoruso's claim that he's wanted by Manchester United.

Amoruso, a transfer target for Rovers, yesterday tried to claim that representatives from both United and Arsenal had contacted his agent about a proposed move to England.

But Sir Alex, who is currently holidaying abroad, insists he only learned of his attempt to sign Amoruso when he was contacted yesterday.

"There is no truth in the story," said Ferguson.