Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley has today endorsed Lucas Neill as ;one of the finest Socceroo captains of all time.'

"As the captain of the Qantas Socceroos, Lucas Neill has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past five years," said Buckley.

"He stands tall as an Australian sporting leader of the highest quality."

Buckley has dismissed reports in today's press, which allege that Lucas Neill countermanded instructions delivered by the Qantas Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek prior to the FIFA World Cup match against Germany.

"No one involved with the Socceroos in South Africa can recall any incident with the slightest resemblance to what has been described in today's press," he said.