Lucas: Doni ready to take chance
Lucas Leiva insists compatriot Alexander Doni has what it takes to rise to the challenge if he's selected to take over the gloves from Pepe Reina against Aston Villa today.
Reina begins a three-match suspension following a red card against Newcastle United last weekend, meaning Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper will miss his first Barclays Premier League game since May 2007.
Kenny Dalglish will turn to either Doni or Brad Jones as his replacement - and having worked with the former at international level for Brazil, Lucas knows from past experience he is ready for the task.
"Of course it's a shame to lose Pepe but this is a big chance for Doni," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"He has been waiting a long time to make his debut and now he has three matches, he will try to take his chance.
"I remember that friendly he played against Rangers earlier in the season. He was unlucky as he got injured and had to come off that night but when he was on the pitch he was our best player. He showed what he can do with some great saves.
"I first met Doni when we were both part of the national squad. In 2007 he was the first choice 'keeper going into the Copa America and played a really important part in Brazil winning that tournament.
"He saved two penalties in the semi-final win over Uruguay. I wasn't involved in the team at that time but I was watching closely and I could see Doni was a very good goalkeeper.
"He was also part of the squad at the last World Cup but then a new manager came in with new ideas. Obviously with not playing games since he came to Liverpool that's made trying to get back into the national squad really difficult but he has trained well and he's ready to play. I'm sure he will do well for us."
Doni arrived at Anfield from AS Roma last summer having made 179 appearances for the Italian side.
The 32-year-old, who has 10 caps for Brazil, also figured in the Champions League - and Lucas believes such experience will stand him in good stead.
"I don't think he will be nervous," added the midfielder.
"He's not a young player, he has a lot of experience. He had a very good record at Roma and played in Champions League matches for them.
"He's a big, strong keeper so I don't think the physical side of football here will be a problem for him. It's not as if the league in Italy is soft.
"All of that counts in his favour and I think he will manage well.
"It's not easy to come into the side when you haven't played for so long but I don't think it will be too difficult for him to deal with.
"I know he's looking forward to it and he has confidence in his own ability."
Meanwhile, Lucas is confident Liverpool can enjoy a successful conclusion to 2011-12.
The 25-year-old - who is continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery and will return to action next season - is in no doubt about the desire of his teammates to ensure the Reds secure a return to winning ways in the Premier League and enjoy FA Cup success.
"We have had other bad moments during my time here and we have always come through them," Lucas said. "I know we will do the same again.
"The fact we won the Carling Cup and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup shows what this squad are capable of.
"The quality is here. It's just a question of confidence. If the lads get some confidence back I'm sure we will finish the season on a high.
"There is still a lot to play for and we just need to all stick together - the players, the manager and the fans.
"I know all the players are desperate to do well and they will give everything to change things."
Lucas added: "We have done well in the cups but the Premier League is the main target for everyone.
"We wanted to qualify for the Champions League but our record in the league hasn't been good enough.
"But we must stay positive and look forward. The next two games before the semi-final are really important.
"If we can get two good results in the league the confidence and the mood will be much better going into a massive game at Wembley.
"We still have the FA Cup and the chance to win a second trophy. Obviously I can't play but I'll be there to support the team and I'm sure there are good days ahead."