Lucas Neill retains captain's armband Socceroos captain Lucas Neill is under pressure but retains the captaincy against Costa Rica Source: AFP LUCAS Neill is not dead and buried yet after new national team boss Ange Postecoglou showed faith in the ageing defender by retaining him as Socceroos captain. Almost two weeks of speculation ended when Neill walked in side by side with Postecoglou for a press conference today ahead of tomorrow's friendly against Costa Rica at Allianz Stadium tomorrow night. It was the signal that Neill had retained the skipper's armband, for the time being at least. There had been suggestions Neill's tenure was over after Postecoglou recently named a 22-man squad for the match. While Neill was included on the list, Postecoglou opted not name a captain in a move seen as promoting a likely changing of the guard. And the speculation reached fever pitch when it was reported Tim Cahill was in line to become the new Socceroos captain. Neill said the team was determined to make a statement in the first outing under their new mentor. "We have to start the Ange Postecoglou era in a very positive manner," said Neill. The skipper said Postecoglou had emphasised the demand for pride in the Australian shirt and the fact that all players were always on trial for their positions. While he did not want to give too much about away about Postecoglou's tactics, Neill did indicate there was an emphasis on "good, fast, passing football." Neill has been under tremendous pressure not only to retain the armband but to keep his place in the starting XI following successive 6-0 losses to Brazil and France recently where his performances came under the microscope. The general consensus was that Postecoglou, who took over from the sacked Holger Osieick last month, would sweep out the old guard, including the likes of Neill. However, he has defied the critics, handing the 35-year-old Neill a temporary lifeline. Depending on his performance against Costa Rica, the veteran defender's dream of playing in a third straight World Cup in Brazil next year is very much still alive.