The Australian defender was given a hostile reception when the Hammers beat Blackburn 2-1 in Lancashire in March.

His fellow compatriot Brett Emerton had urged Blackburn fans not to be too harsh on their former player who had spent five years at the club.

Unfortunately this conciliatory message was not returned by Neill, who, prior to the game, had labelled the Rovers fans as "childish" for their response last time out.

Neill had the last laugh though as the Hammers triumphed 1-0 after a non-stop barrage of boos from the home crowd, culminating in a constant chant of 'There's only one greedy b*****d.'

Once West Ham had taken the lead the Ewood Park faithful were silenced which must have given Neill quiet satisfaction.