Luca Leiva says he's ready to step in for Javier Mascherano should Liverpool sell the Argentina captain.
The Brazilian midfielder took the skipper's armband for the first time as Roy Hodgson's reign got off to a winning start with Thursday's 2-0 Europa League win against Macedonian side Rabotnicki.
Argentina captain Mascherano is desperate to link up again with former Kop boss Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan.
And Lucas, 23, said: "Of course we all hope Javier stays because he is such a good player but we'll have to wait and see.
"I'm not the same player as Javier but I am ready to play and do whatever job the manager needs from me.
"I know I am able play the role Javier does because towards the end of last season I played a few games when he was at right-back."
