Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has thrown down the gauntlet to midfielder Jay Spearing.

England Under-21 international Spearing did the business when the Reds boss returned to Anfield last season, and now Dalglish has urged the midfielder to work hard to gain another shot offered by the blow for Lucas.

"Injuries are one of the tests you get at a football club. Someone's always going to be missing," said Dalglish. "We feel sorry for Lucas, not for ourselves. Someone has to step up from the squad - it's why we have a strong squad.

"Every role is important, Lucas has had a fair bit of credit and there is not much more we can add to what has happened to him.

"The (defensive midfield) role is important but every single person in the team has an important role to play. We will make our decisions but we won't disclose how we will solve our problems."

"We are not going to start dancing on someone's grave; at the end of the day the boy (Lucas) is injured but we have adequate replacements there. Wee Jay has done really well since I came in. We trust in him and believe in him. As long as he keeps giving what he has got to give, then he will be fine.

"Young players will not always make the right decision but we are there to prepare them all week. As long as their heart is in the right place, that's the main thing."