The Australian captain began life in Istanbul in difficult conditions, but reports from Turkey claim he was impressive on debut, showing patience and maturity in defence.

Neill, though, still needs to work on his understanding with his new teammates after a hairy first-half moment when he got in a mix-up with goalkeeper Leo Franco, whose attempted clearance struck the Aussie in the face.

Nevertheless, Mustafa Sarp struck the winner for Cimbom on 74 minutes, meaning they are in second on the Super Lig table, just a point behind leaders Fenerbahce.

Neill played the full 90 minutes for Galatasaray while teammate Harry Kewell is on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Elsewhere in Turkey's Super Lig overnight, Bruce Djite made his starting debut for new club Diyarbakirspor in a 0-0 draw at Ankaragucu.

Djite, who is on loan at Diyarbakirspor from another Ankara-based club Genclerbirligi, flashed a great second-half chance just wide of the post from close-range with the goalkeeper beaten.

The Aussie also had another chance late in the contest after a cross fell kindly to him, but he couldn't get enough power on the effort which was straight at the opposition goalkeeper.

Elsewhere in Turkey, James Troisi was a 58th minute substitute in Kayserispor's 1-1 draw with former club Genclerbirligi, while Michael Petkovic was absent as Sivasspor lost 4-1 at Trabzonspor and in the second tier Lig A Ersan Gulum put in a full shift as promotion-chasing Adanaspor beat Mersin Idmanyurdu 3-2.

In Greece's Super League, Craig Moore was sent off for a late challenge as Kavala slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Atromitos.

With his side trailing 2-0, the Aussie defender lunged in late on Atromitos' Marcelo Sarmiento and was sent off, leaving Kavala to play the final 10 minutes with ten men.

Zeljko Kalac did not play, amidst reports he has retired from football, while none of Kavala's other Aussies were involved.

In Italy's Serie A, Mark Bresciano was absent yet again as Palermo recorded an encouraging 3-0 win over Fiorentina.

In Holland's Eredivisie, there was no James Holland or Brett Holman as AZ Alkmaar lost 1-0 at Ajax, while David Carney missed Twente's 0-0 draw at Groningen due to a shoulder injury.

In Scotland's Premier League, Scott McDonald, too, was out with injury as Celtic won 4-1 at St Johnstone.