Lucas Leiva: Brendan Rodgers gave me confidence

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that the support he has received from the club's new manager Brendan Rogers has helped him in his quest to regain full fitness.

The 24-year-old midfielder ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in November, but made his comeback in the Reds’ pre-season friendly against Toronto last weekend.

Rodgers recently told reporters that Lucas has been a ''brilliant player'' for him so far, and the Brazil international admits such words have boosted his confidence ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.

''On my first day back in Liverpool, he spoke with me and said I was in his plans,'' Lucas told the club's official website. ''Those words helped me to relax a little bit more because he was a new manager coming in and everyone wants to impress.''

''I was coming back from an injury and knew I wouldn't be at the same level as the other players. It gave me the confidence to progress slowly and I am really happy to have his support from the beginning.

''When a manager says great things about you, it always gives you extra confidence and motivation - but I was already motivated enough. I am at a big club and very happy to play for this club. It's just a question of time and being patient. He has been very important from the first day.''