Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he has been impressed with midfielder Lucas Leiva's 'first-class attitude' since he returned from a knee injury.

Lucas has endured separate lengthy spells on the sidelines in the past two years that have threatened his career, but Rodgers has been delighted with the Brazilian's impact since his recovery.

The 40-year-old told the Liverpool Echo: "I've been delighted with Lucas. We were very wary of the fact that he had had a serious knee injury last season, and then obviously another problem on top of that this season.

"It was important for the team to get him back, but it was important for him that we did so at the right pace and that we paced his recovery right.

"It is a big credit to him as a professional. He has worked so hard, and his attitude and his application has been first class. He deserves every praise for the way he has conducted himself."

The 26-year-old has made 21 appearances for Liverpool this season.