Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has signed with English Championship club Watford.

Neill has been without a club since leaving Japanese side Omiya Ardija in December and Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has made it clear he will not take anyone not playing regular football to the World Cup in Brazil.

It was reported yesterday that Neill had been in talks with New South Wales Premier League club Sydney Olympic, however, Watford confirmed on its website overnight that the club had signed the Socceroos skipper.

The deal is for the remainder of the 2013-14 season and is subject to international clearance.

“I want to add my experience to the Watford squad and I’m hoping that some of my natural leadership skills can benefit the group here,” Neill told Watfordfc.com.

“I’m highly motivated to keep playing. There’s still a huge passion within me for football. I’ve had experience in different territories across recent years.

“I’ve spent 14 years of my career in England and my family are based here.

“I took up challenges in different countries because I wanted some new experiences – but this is a great chance for me to play at an excellent level and help Watford finish the season as strongly as possible.”

Watford currently sits 12th on the English Championship ladder.

The news will greatly-improve Neill’s chances of heading to the World Cup, with Postecoglou to settle on his extended squad for the Brazil showpiece in May.

Lucas Neill proudly displays his Watford FC jersey. Photo: http://www.watfordfc.com/