Lucas ready to fight for spot in Reds line-up

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva wants to stay with the Merseysiders and fight for his place. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Italy ever since Rafa Benitez left the club. "I'm happy in Liverpool and looking forward to my fourth season," the 23-year-old said on Sunday. "I hope I stay and improve my performances, as I did last season. I'm not here to try to prove critics wrong. I'm here to prove myself to the manager and my team-mates.” Leiva has been a much derided player at Anfield, with many considering him a personal favourite of former boss Benitez. One thing is now for certain, he is determined to prove to new manager Roy Hogdson he is worth his place in the squad. “I know I had a good season last season and hope it will be even better this season,” he added.