The commander of the Royal Marines in Afghanistan has defended his mission against claims his men are on a wild goose chase.

In his first interview since facing criticism of "over-hyping" the mission, Brigadier Roger Lane also said he expected further attacks on his men by hostile Afghans.

I've got a six-year-old son who thinks his daddy's coming home early, and of course that isn't the case

Brigadier Roger Lane

A group of marines was drawn into a firefight with three unknown gunmen on Thursday - the marines were unhurt but two of the gunmen may have been hit.

Brigadier Lane said the mission had been successful, as it had denied territory to al-Qaeda and the Taleban.

'Unwelcome'

But he admitted the criticism - in particular erroneous reports that he was being removed early from his post because of his performance - had irked him.

I find him to be an outstanding subordinate

US Army General Tommy Franks

"As a personal attack on me, of course I find that wholly unwelcome, particularly for my family.

"I've got a six-year-old son who thinks his daddy's coming home early, and of course that isn't the case.

"But I can't be distracted by all of that, I've got 1,600 men here who are on operations, and I've got to make sure that I focus on the job - and that's exactly what I'm doing."

Next operation

Brigadier Lane said more attacks on the marines could be expected in the run-up to next month's Loya Jirga - the council of tribal leaders which will choose a new government.

He expects small groups of fighters to harry UK and coalition forces.

Brigadier Lane said his forces would have to adapt - and said planning for the next British operation was already at an advanced stage.

In Thursday's incident, a group of 12 marines came under fire from men in a car, while manning a supposedly covert reconnaissance post.

On Wednesday two rockets were fired at a forward operating base housing about 50 marines just south of Gardez - but missed by about one kilometre.

'Proud'

The top field commander of the entire US-led coalition operation in Afghanistan came to Brigadier Lane's defence earlier this week.

Army General Tommy Franks said the Royal Marines had done "an absolutely marvellous job" under his leadership.

"I find him to be an outstanding subordinate," he said.

"I told Roger Lane that I was very proud of him, very proud of his people. So, sir, I would say the same thing to you," he told one reporter.

'Hype' complaints

The general's comments followed complaints from UK media and politicians that the marines' mission in Afghanistan had been exaggerated and misrepresented.

Brigadier Lane appeared to have suggested that troops had been in combat, before any contact with the enemy had been made.

Three separate operations have seen the marines fail to engage with the enemy.

Their first shot fired in anger did not come until Thursday, when the reconnaissance group came under fire from the gunmen.

Tory former armed forces minister Nicholas Soames said "hype" and spin was unhelpful for both the soldiers and their families.