Jay: He's been a big influence
Jay Spearing has paid tribute to the role Lucas Leiva has played in helping him establish himself in Liverpool's first-team squad.
The midfielder, who made 20 appearances for the Reds last term, feels his Brazilian counterpart has been a major influence on him over the course of the last year.
Both players earned improved contracts earlier this year - and Spearing believes the pair have a good understanding.
"He's helped me from the moment I stepped into the team and he's always been there supporting me," he said. "When we play together he always uses his experience to help me through the game and I think we bounce off each other and support each other very well.
"I think it's about communication to get that balance right and we've been working quite well together."
Spearing is also keen for the side to hit the ground running next season.
Having played a key part in the side's upturn in fortunes last season, he reckons there is a good feeling around the club at present.
He added: "There was a good hype about the end of last season and also this year.
"We know that we need to keep doing the things that we have been doing (at the end of last season). If we do that there is no reason why the fans and ourselves can't look forward to next year and see us competing again."
