Liverpool bit-part player Lucas Leiva is confident of becoming a first team regular. The 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder is determined to force his way into the Reds midfield.

"I'm always trying to improve," he told the club's official website.

"Every single day in training I'll get better and that will give me an edge if I am given some minutes on the pitch for the team.

"I know how difficult it is to play in midfield for a club like Liverpool as we have players like (Steven) Gerrard, (Xabi) Alonso and (Javier) Mascherano - great players.

"However, I think I am a better player than I was last season. I try to play with a high tempo, because I think that is the key to doing well for an English team."