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Brendan Rodgers has saluted the “incredible attitude” of Lucas Leiva as the midfielder battles to force his way back into the title-chasing Liverpool FC side.

The Brazil international has had to settle for a place on the bench since making his comeback last month following eight weeks out with a knee injury.

Lucas was handed a brief cameo against Manchester United before being an unused substitute against both Cardiff City and Sunderland.

The 27-year-old played the final 20 minutes of last Sunday’s 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham after replacing captain Steven Gerrard, who is only one booking away from picking up a two-match ban.

With Rodgers employing just one holding midfielder and Gerrard flourishing in that position, Lucas faces a battle to regain a starting spot as the table-topping Reds look to maintain their stunning form during the run-in.

“I’ve got to say Lucas has been absolutely incredible in his attitude,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“It’s been hard for him because he played a high percentage of the games when he was fit and obviously then got his injury.

“The team has done really well in his absence. Steven in that role is a world class operator. He has taken to it really well.

“The difference now is that rather than playing with two defensive midfield players we are playing with one. There is more emphasis on the attacking element.

“But I have to pay homage to Lucas because he’s been first class with his attitude and his work.

“He has made it known to me that he just wants to help whenever he’s called upon – whether it’s for one minute or 90 minutes he will be ready.”

If Lucas fails to get back in the Reds side over the coming weeks it could hamper his chances of making the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup finals in his homeland.

However, Rodgers believes the midfielder has already proved he’s worthy of a place in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s plans.

“Hopefully it won’t hinge on that because I think he’s already done enough to get in the squad for the World Cup,” he said.

“For those games he has gone away with them, I am sure they will have been impressed with him. For a World Cup, he will be great for their squad.

“I respect all the players and their needs but I can only think of Liverpool. I want what’s best for Liverpool – that’s where my concentration is.”

Rodgers has kept a settled side during a remarkable run of eight straight wins which the Reds will be looking to extend at West Ham on Sunday.

Only 12 different players have started the past six league matches but the manager says the commitment of those not in his starting XI is as important as those playing week in week out.

“I know it’s difficult because when you start as a young player you play football for the games – that’s the integral part,” he said.

“It’s easy when you are playing, it’s not when you are outside the team.

“I was analysing those players who haven’t been playing in training and their intensity, effort and focus has been brilliant.

“They’ve been exceptional professionals and that tells you everything about the environment we have here. It shows you what we’ve built here. They all know they are very important.”