Lucas Leiva aiming to replicate previous Liverpool form

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has vowed to return to top form after recovering from a serious knee injury.

The Brazil international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Chelsea last November and subsequently missed the second-half of last season.

Lucas admits that he is ''very lucky'' to have recovered from the setback, and he has now pledged to deliver the same level of performances that saw him being named as the Player of the Year at Anfield for the 2010-11 campaign.

''I think the hard times have been good for me because I learned a lot about myself," the 25-year-old told reporters.

''I am very lucky to be here and even though I'm starting my sixth season at Liverpool, I still feel fresh and there is no reason for me to think I can't get back to the same level again.

''I want to thank everyone by becoming the player I was before.''