Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was delighted with the cameo of Lucas Leiva at the end of yesterday's dramatic 2-1 derby defeat of Everton.

The winner came after Steven Gerrard was substituted for Brazilian Leiva - a decision which may have raised one or two eyebrows.

Benitez explained: "We weren't keeping the ball very well and were in too much of a hurry sometimes with our final pass.

"I put Lucas on because he is a very good player who can pass the ball well for us.

"In the end, Lucas helped us win the game by having the shot that led to our winning penalty."