Lucas Leiva is confident he has won over Liverpool's boo-boys.

The return from injury of Alberto Aquilani will make Liverpool's midfield even more competitive, with Lucas, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard all jostling for position.

The Brazilian told liverpoolfc.tv: "I have to be more versatile at Liverpool because sometimes I will need to play alongside Javier Mascherano and other times with Steven Gerrard, which will demand a different tactical role for me.

"But I already believe I've proved to Liverpool fans that I'm willing to sweat blood for this club and to try and make the crowd happy."