Lucas welcomes Aquilani start

The Italian midfielder is line to make his first start for Liverpool on Wednesday and Lucas says all his team mates are ready to help Aquilani quickly settle in the team.

"It is exciting that Alberto is going to get his first chance and we are all looking forward to it – we will give him all the support and respect he needs," said the Brazilian.

"Hopefully he will do a really good job for us. When you have been out for a long time injured, it takes a while for you to get your rhythm back.

"But it is easy to see in training that he has got quality on the ball and we hope he is going to help us.

"People will make comparisons but he is a different player to Xabi; he is more attacking and we can all see that he is going to play in a more advanced role.

"Obviously he came to replace Xabi but he is going to need some time to settle and we will do everything to make that happen quickly."