Lucas Leiva praises Brendan Rodgers effect

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has praised the impact that new manager Brendan Rodgers has made since his arrival at the club.

The Brazil international, who returned from a knee ligament injury two months ahead of schedule during Liverpool's pre-season tour of America, credited Rodgers with giving him the extra motivation to complete his recovery.

"On my first day back in Liverpool, he spoke with me and said I was in his plans. Those words helped me to relax a little bit more because he was a new manager coming in and everyone wants to impress," Lucas told the club's official website.

"I was coming back from an injury and knew I wouldn't be at the same level as the other players. It gave me the confidence to progress slowly and I am really happy to have his support from the beginning.

"When a manager says great things about you, it always gives you extra confidence and motivation - but I was already motivated enough. I am at a big club and very happy to play for this club. It's just a question of time and being patient. He has been very important from the first day."

Lucas is now expected to be fully fit for the start of the new season, and could feature in Liverpool's opening Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion on August 18.