Watford have signed experienced defender Lucas Neill on a deal until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The 35-year-old, who is Australia captain, last played for Omiya Ardija in Japan's J-League and has been without a club since November.

He has been training with Blackburn Rovers but spent the last week at London Colney with the Hornets squad and impressed the Watford coaching staff.

"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 the club website.

He continued:  "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."

Neill has been capped 96 times by Socceroos and his former English clubs include Millwall, West Ham United and Everton.