Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva backs Jonjo Shelvey to shine at Anfield

Lucas Leiva has backed Jonjo Shelvey to become a key player for Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.

Lucas, who made a stuttering start to his career at Anfield before becoming a first-team regular, has been left impressed by Shelvey and is confident the midfielder will capitalise on any opportunities handed to him by Rodgers

“Jonjo is a young player, but he’s been with us for two or three season so we have seen every day he has a lot of quality and I think he will be a very good player for this club,” Lucas told Liverpool’s website.

“He has been very impressive in pre-season and I am looking forward to helping him when he wants me to. Hopefully he will be a great addition this season.

“My advice to him would be just to keep working hard and when he gets a chance, to try and take it.

“He has a little bit of experience already and played a few games last season, so I think he won’t have a problem when he has his chance – and I will try to help him on the pitch.”

Lucas also admitted he was relieved to receive Rodgers’ backing as the midfielder continues his comeback from a season-ending cruciate ligament injury against Chelsea back in November.

“On my first day back in Liverpool, Rodgers spoke with me and said I was in his plans,” he added.

“Those words helped me to relax a little bit more because he was a new manager coming in and everyone wants to impress. 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.”

The 25-year-old Lucas has made 183 appearances for the Reds after he was signed by former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez in a £5m deal in 2007.

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