Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits he wants to play in the World Cup to keep up the family tradition.

The 22-year-old has been one of Rafa Benitez's most consistent performers this term, earning him a place as an unused substitute in Brazil's 1-0 friendly win over England on Saturday.

And Lucas has a special reason for wanting to keep his slot in Dunga's squad for South Africa 2010.

"I need to have a great season because of Brazil," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "The World Cup is around the corner and I want to be part of it.

"For my family it's a bit more special as my uncle, Leivinha, was in the Brazil squad for Germany in 1974 and I want to emulate him."