Marsh hails Lucas mentality
Mike Marsh has provided the latest news on Lucas Leiva's comeback from injury and echoed sentiments from the manager that the Reds are on the verge of a winning streak.
The Brazilian midfielder played 61 minutes for the U21s against Middlesbrough on Friday and the first-team coach expects Lucas to be involved for the senior team again in the near future.
"Lucas came back and played an hour last week in an U21 fixture so he could be available sooner rather than later," Marsh explained to Liverpoolfc.com.
"I had a chat with him - he said he really enjoyed it. It wasn't the pace of first-team football but it was a good experience to get 60 minutes under his belt, and he's looking forward to stepping it up."
Marsh reiterated recent tributes by Brendan Rodgers and various teammates regarding the 25-year-old, revealing that everybody at the club is anticipating the combative player's return.
He continued: "You can see what he means to all of the players, the status he has within the group. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming him back and getting him on the pitch in a first-team shirt.
"He's not far away at all - if he gets a good week in training while we're away in London, he won't be far away from being included in the next game or two."
Having missed a large chunk of 2011-12 with a knee injury, Lucas' road to rehabilitation was hampered by a thigh problem at the beginning of the current campaign.
And Marsh praised the Brazil international's mentality in dealing with the issue. "He got through pre-season and was looking strong, and he had to come off against Manchester City," the coach added.
"Fortunately we're blessed with a lot of central midfielders so there's no rush to get him back in - when the time is right I'm sure the boss will put him in when he thinks it will benefit Lucas and the team.
"He's a Brazilian international, he moved away from home when he was very young - he is a very mentally strong player. We're looking forward to having him back."
An eight-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League has boosted confidence throughout the club, and Marsh expects the progress to continue - ideally with more victories.
"We would like more wins - five draws and three wins the stats say. If we can turn some of those draws into wins, we'll soon be climbing up the table," he reflected.
"It's a bit of a free-for-all if you take the top three out of the equation - a lot of the other teams are beating each other. There are a couple of wins in it from where we are to climb into the top four, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves.
"We're trying to make steady progress and if we can turn one or two of those draws into wins, we see ourselves getting up towards the top six or top four towards the latter end of the season.
"The morale has been really good. We haven't won that many games but we haven't lost that many either. We have to take the positives and the negatives out of it.
"Overall, there are signs of progress - we're playing really well from back to front. If we can turn some of our possession into goals and get a couple more wins, you'll see us climb up the table."
The Reds' undefeated streak will next be tested by Tottenham Hotspur, with the team travelling to White Hart Lane for a pivotal clash on Wednesday, and Marsh is anticipating an entertaining 90 minutes.
He said: "On certain days they have been excellent, on others not so much. On their day, they're a very good side. We're going to be in for a very tough game.
"Tottenham are traditionally a pass-and-move side like ourselves so with a bit of luck it will be an open game and we can come away with the points."
Briefly turning thoughts to his own situation at the club, Marsh revealed his happiness with life at Liverpool and the knowledge he can impart to the players he coaches.
"I've loved every minute, it's a great opportunity for me. It's great experience. The games are coming thick and fast, we're here, there and everywhere - long may it continue," the 43-year-old concluded.
"If I've got something I think will help the team, I'll give it to the manager and Colin [Pascoe] or speak on an individual basis to a player. That's what my job entails, give my knowledge and see if it can benefit the team."