Liverpool U23 coach Michael Beale has hailed senior player Lucas Leiva as an 'outstanding human'.

The Brazilian recently played for Beale's side against Arsenal in his bid to recover from a hamstring injury prompting the Reds academy coach to suggest that the 29-year-old has the necessary qualities to become an outstanding coach in future.

"After playing for us he went straight into the first-team squad for the game against Spurs," Beale said.

"Lucas is an outstanding human being first and foremost and he gives a lot of experience to our young players. But it's not just the young players that benefit - I also like to pick his brains about the youngsters from what he has seen of them when they've trained at Melwood.

"I expect Lucas to possibly go on and become an outstanding coach when his playing career comes to an end because he's got great empathy with people.

"I said it on the night and I'll say it again, I would take a thousand Lucases."