Neill is making his second return to Ewood Park since his much-publicised move to West Ham last January.

The full-back, who had initially been linked with Liverpool, stated his ambition in deciding to leave but fans were angered by reports he would be receiving a huge pay rise.

The Australian defender was given a hostile reception when the Hammers beat Rovers 2-1 in Lancashire in March and more of the same is likely on his latest Barclays Premier League visit.

Emerton said of his compatriot: "I think Lucas is a very strong character and I don't think he'll let it bother him too much. I'm sure he'll be looking forward to it.

"I think it's a little harsh on Lucas because he was a great servant to the club and gave 110% every time he stepped out on the pitch.

"Hopefully they might give him a little bit more of a warm welcome this time around. He was here for five years. He is a great player and I think he gave a lot to this club so maybe it's a little unfair."

Manager Mark Hughes reluctantly agreed to the £1.5million sale of O'Neill but now believes the club are stronger as a result.

Left-back Stephen Warnock was signed from Liverpool and another defender, Christopher Samba, arrived on a free transfer.

Hughes has also been impressed with the form of Emerton since O'Neill's departure having deployed him in a number of positions, most successfully at right-back.

"Brett has been fantastic for me," said Hughes of the 28-year-old.

"We felt with the loss of Lucas we had to make a decision. I had great faith in Brett that he could grasp the opportunity and make the position his own.

"He has done that but he can still give me flexibility in other positions.

"Stephen Warnock has come from Liverpool and is really making a name for himself playing regular football. People are talking about him in terms of international football.

"Full-back positions were a problem and Lucas leaving could have put us in a more grave situation, but as it turned out we are probably stronger in the full-back positions than we ever have been."

Emerton too is relishing the season and is pleased his versatility has made him such an important member of the side.

He said: "I have quite enjoyed it, I like a bit of variety. I like playing midfield but I was back at right-back at the weekend and at the moment I probably feel like that's my best position. I feel very comfortable.

"Stephen Warnock, since he came to the club, has been a revelation. It's great to see him doing so well and playing regularly, because that is what he was after."

Blackburn face West Ham with confidence restored after getting back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Newcastle last weekend.

The team's promising start to the season had been undermined by a run of four games without a win which culminated in a 4-0 thrashing by Aston Villa.

Emerton said of the Newcastle win: "It was very important, winning is a habit.

"Even though we didn't have a great November we played some very difficult games and played two of the top four.

"I think we have come out of it okay and obviously a win helps our confidence. We go into tomorrow confident of getting another.

"It is a very important time of the year for us. Historically we have been very good over this period, hopefully we can do that again this season.

"If we do we will set ourselves up and possibly be very comfortable and hopefully finish in a top-six position."

Blackburn are without midfielder David Bentley, the two-goal hero against Newcastle, and defender Ryan Nelsen through suspension.