Lucas Neill took the armband in the Hammers' last game, the morale-boosting performance Tottenham which ended in defeat but renewed hope of an unlikely relegation escape.

"Nigel had been out for two weeks and Lucas was the captain," said Curbishley, whose side are 10 points behind fourth-bottom Manchester City and have an inferior goal difference.

"We go into Saturday's game with Nigel available and we'll see what happens.

"Lucas was captain of Australia and Blackburn, but Nigel has been the captain in the lead up to his suspension.

"Some of the players who have come in - Lucas, Matthew Upson, Nigel Quashie - have come in with a bit of experience. When you bring senior players in they act accordingly."

Neill returning to the club he controversially left in January is an added factor, along with Reo-Coker's slump in form this season that has led to him being jeered by his own fans and receiving abusive mail.

The central midfielder was the driving force behind the club finishing in the top half of the Barclays Premiership last season and also reaching the FA Cup final but he has suffered a dramatic change of fortunes in the last 10 months, with the club now bottom of the table.

Complicating the issue further is Mark Noble's impressive performance in midfield against Tottenham and a knock Reo-Coker is carrying, although it is hoped he will be fit for the trip to Ewood Park.

Curbishley added: "He can take the captaincy back. He's got to be playing first."

Regardless of whether Neill is skipper or not, the Australia defender is likely to be given a hostile reception by Rovers fans following the manner of his move to London.

The 29-year-old's motive for a transfer were questioned, particularly as Liverpool claimed to have spoken to him, although he has always insisted the move was for footballing reasons.

"To a man they shook his hand when he left because his contribution was appreciated," added Curbishley.

"It's a situation the clubs find themselves in when players are running out of contract, and it just happens.

"I'm sure he'll get a great reception from the players, obviously fans see it differently and want players to stay at their club."

Injuries to players such as Neill has been one of the many problems Curbishley has encountered since taking the job at Upton Park in December.

Striker Dean Ashton has been out all season and will visit specialists this week in an attempt to overcome a secondary problem as he comes back from a broken ankle.

A more recent problem was Anton Ferdinand breaking club rules to travel to America in time between matches.

"He has been disciplined," said Curbishley.

"I think he understands that he's let everyone down, he's accepted that and I'm sure there won't be a repeat."

To add to Curbishley's worries, the surface at the club's Chadwell Heath training ground is so poor that he moved Thursday's training to Upton Park.

The club also face the possibility of action from the Premier League over whether they breached rules when they signed Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

Punishment could be as harsh as a deduction of points if they are found guilty, but Curbishley said: "I've got to get the points first.

"Let me get some points first and get near Man City, then I'll worry about it."