Lucas believes Luis 'sent a message'

The Uruguayan, who has amassed 20 goals already this season, delivered an early Christmas present to supporters when he inked a new deal at the Reds' training complex on December 20.

"In the dressing room I am so happy," the No.7 commented afterwards. "We have a fantastic dressing room here. If we stay at this level, we can fight with other teams at the top of the table."

That sentiment has been echoed by the forward's close friend, Lucas, who believes the announcement was both a 'massive boost' and clear evidence of the ambition around Anfield.

Lucas told the Liverpool Echo: "Luis signing that contract sent out a good message to everyone. It was a massive boost for both the players and the fans.

"It showed the ambition of the club and it showed how happy Luis is here. He's playing even better than last season and is scoring a lot of goals.

"I think we have a very good team but you can always improve and that's what the club is trying to do in this window.

"In the future players will join, others will leave and hopefully we will be stronger. That's part of football. Luis signing will help as everyone would love to have Luis Suarez as a teammate.

"I knew about the new contract but obviously I couldn't say anything about it. I knew Luis was talking with the club and that he was very keen to sign. I was so happy for the club and for Luis.

"He has shown his maturity with the way he has been doing everything right this season. It's so good to see a close friend playing so well. I just wish he keeps scoring like he has been doing and, if it's possible, gets even better."

With a trip to Stoke City this Sunday next on the agenda, Brendan Rodgers' side currently claim fourth place in the Barclays Premier League after 20 games of the campaign.

The midfielder warned that maintaining a high level of consistency during the second half of the season will be the crucial factor if the dream of Champions League football is to be achieved.

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"In the second half of the season we have to keep the same mentality and consistency as we've shown as a team so far," the No.21 continued.

"Consistency is a word we have spoken about a lot over the past few seasons. We've not been able to get the consistency needed in order to compete.

"But in the first half of this season we have shown the progress of the team. We are a more mature team and we are winning games.

"We dropped a bit in the table after the defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea but I think we probably deserved more from both of those games.

"We will have a good chance when we play them at home for sure. If we keep the same attitude until the end of the season then we will have a big chance of staying where we are or going even higher.

"It's tight at the top and we will have a better idea when we get down to the last eight to 10 games. We will know then what we're able to challenge for - whether the title or the top four is possible.

"Getting back into the Champions League has to be our main priority. Everyone associated with the club is desperate to see Liverpool back on that stage. They are special nights at Anfield and we want them back.

"For those players who have been here a long time like Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson and myself, our desire to get there is so strong because we've experienced those games at this club.

"It's a massive year for me. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead. 2014 could be the confirmation of a lot of things for me. After my injuries I worked so hard every day to get back.

"We are having a great season so far and it's nice to feel a real part of that. But there is still a long way to go. This year the challenge is to get Liverpool back where they belong. There is so much to be achieved."