CHRIS Lucketti will lead out Huddersfield Town in his first home appearance at the McAlpine Stadium tonight knowing that, in other circumstances, he could have been wearing the colours of The Terriers' opponents Blackburn Rovers.

A queue of interested managers formed at Gigg Lane in the second half of last season as it gradually became clear that Bury were going to be relegated from Division One and Lucketti would be on his way.

Rovers were among those who kept an eye on his situation but, eventually, it was Brian Kidd's former Old Trafford colleague Steve Bruce who took the plunge and paid a seven-figure fee.

And, on the eve of Lucketti's first home League appearance for the club, Town boss Bruce has handed the central defender a huge vote of confidence - making him team captain.

It was a surprise move, with Barry Horne remaining club captain, but the player aims to repay his new manager, starting tonight in what he expects to be a great game for the Sky TV cameras.

"Being made skipper of Huddersfield Town is a big honour for me," said Lucketti.

"I was captain at Bury for the last two seasons but going to a new club you never even think of such a thing.

"It's a tremendous confidence booster for me to think that the gaffer believes in me so much.

"And I will be trying to justify that faith."

Kidd knows all about Lucketti's qualities - as did every other manager in the top two divisions.

But the player also believes that Rovers have a lot to offer, despite their faltering start against Port Vale at Ewood last Saturday.

"Blackburn have been heavily tipped for the title this season and when you look at their squad they have to be one of the best in this league," he said.

"Even though they were relegated they can still turn out a great side and it's going to be a big test for us to see exactly where we stand.

"It promises to be an absolute cracker."

After making several changes to their playing staff during summer, as well as appointing a new manager, Huddersfield are hoping to gel quickly and Kidd acknowledges that they will be aiming to make an impact.

"I would think Steve will be shooting high, like a lot of managers will be doing," said the Rovers boss.

"We are all in the same boat at the beginning of a season. We are all trying to get off to a good start."

Such was the wheeling and dealing at the McAlpine that Town could have as many as half a dozen players making their home debuts tonight, including ex-Rovers George Donis and Scott Sellars.

Lucketti feels that will simply add to the atmosphere surrounding the Roses clash.

"A lot of players, including myself, are making our first home appearance for the club," he said.

"So it's a big occasion in itself.

"Obviously we want to try to kick off with a victory, especially after the disappointment at QPR. And there's sure to be a big crowd, so it would be nice to reward them as well."

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