LUCAS Neill is ready to take centre stage in a bid to boost Australia's World Cup hopes.

The Socceroos' head coach, Guus Hiddink, recently switched the Blackburn defender from right-back to centre-half after injuries forced him into a tactical reshuffle.

But the transition has proved so successful that Neill is now considering playing there permanently, particularly if he and new defensive partner, Craig Moore, can lead the Aussies to the knockout stages in Germany next month.

Neill, who was outstanding for Rovers as an emergency centre-back during the final three games of last season, said: "My versatility is working as a bonus at the moment, and long may that continue.

"I always used to think my best position was right back, but I'm starting to enjoy playing more centrally.

"I'm surrounded by fantastic players - no disrespect to Blackburn - so I've got five or six options every time I play the ball. It's something I enjoy, and it's a nice position to be in."

Neill's versatility has been a welcome bonus for Hiddink as Australia prepare to take part in their first World Cup finals since 1974.

The 28-year-old first shone in his new role when he turned in a commanding performance during Australia's dramatic play-off victory over Uruguay in November, a result which secured them a finals place for only the second time in the nation's history.

Now Hiddink is ready to pin his faith in the former Millwall man again following the news that Tony Vidmar has been forced to retire because of a heart complaint, and Neill's partnership with Moore could well be crucial if the Aussies are to qualify from a tough group that also contains the tournament favourites, Brazil.

The pair performed well together last week, helping to keep a clean sheet as the Socceroos defeated Greece, the European champions, 1-0 in a friendly in Melbourne.

But, while the duo are now considered to be certain starters for the Aussies' opening game against Japan in Kaiserslautern on July 12, Neill is still taking nothing granted.

"Obviously Viddie (Tony Vidmar) not being here has taken a tiny edge off the defensive competition, but, as for everyone, it's still very intense.

"Everybody has to put in 100 per cent every day, because the boss is watching every move. He's not got his first XI by any means.

"We're all fighting for places. But it's great to have to raise your level every day. We all know it's fierce.

"We all know anyone could play, and do a very good job for the team. It's just about making sure you're the guy he wants."

Neill has one last chance to cement his place in Hiddink's starting line-up for the World Cup when the Aussies take on Holland in Rotterdam on Sunday; a match that will see the Blackburn defender come up against familiar foes in Manchester United's Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Arsenal's Robin Van Persie.

He added: "Obviously Ruud had a difficult time towards the end of the Premier League season, so he'll be wanting to perform so he can put himself in the shop window.

"Van Persie is up and coming, very strong, very sharp, and he's got a great left foot. They're two fantastic players.

"There's no doubt we're going to get asked a lot of questions defensively. Attacking-wise, we're going to have to beak down a very good side.

"It's the perfect game, really, for us to make mistakes and correct them before we come up against equally good teams in the World Cup, when it really counts."