THE League Cup hasn’t been kind to either Lucas Neill or Everton – but both would love to have it.
Despite playing almost 500 games in a 14-year career on theses shores, the Australian international captain has yet to lift a major trophy.
Agonisingly for the defender, he had to watch from the sidelines when Blackburn Rovers won the competition in February 2002.
Although he had already established himself as a first team regular at Ewood Park in his debut season in the Premier League, Neill was ineligible to play in the Millennium Stadium showpiece against tonight’s opponents Tottenham as he was cup-tied.
The Sydney native’s appearance for former club Millwall in a first round tie back in the previous August against Cardiff City ultimately denied him the chance to play his part in the Lancashire club’s glory in the Welsh capital.
Neill now reckons kicking off a strong Carling Cup run can help stop the rot at Everton after their depleted sides lost 5-0 at Benfica and 3-2 at Bolton.
Making his Premier League debut for his new club, he had a hand in both goals at the Reebok Stadium but insisted that a clean sheet would have been more pleasing.
Neill said: “I made an impact, but as a defender I pride myself on clean sheets and that’s taken the gloss of it.
“But if I can keep chipping in with a couple of assists every game or so I’m sure we’re in for a positive season.
“I’m glad I’ve finally got my part to play in the Premier League for Everton and long may that continue. There’s games coming thick and fast now and we’ve just got to put it right.
“It’s just about getting the confidence back now and the belief that we can win games.”
Neill knows getting a positive result at the north London club will significantly boost morale in the dressing room.
“It’s important that we try and win that game and get to the next round,” he said.
“It’s about reaction now. We’re a little bit down on resources at the moment but we’re all going to chip in and make sure we all do what we can for Everton.
“Cup runs breed a little bit of confidence and always have a great atmosphere surrounding it.
“Of course we all want to get to another Wembley final and for me (I want) to get my first, so it’s going to be interesting and I’m sure it’s going to be a very good game.
