Liverpool midfielder Lucas has targeted a run of good results in December to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

The Brazilian returned from a lengthy injury absence during the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

His restoration gave the club’s midfield a greater feeling of solidity and with some winnable games coming up over the festive period, he believes that the Merseysiders could shoot up the table:

"It shows the Premier League is very tight at the moment,” He said when talking about Liverpool being just seven points off of third spot.

"The gap to third place is not too bad. If we had had a few more wins we would be closer but we can't change that.

"We have a lot of games now and if we can get three or four wins in a row I think we will be very close to the top four.

"We just have to think to move on to get more points, especially in the crucial time which is coming.

"If we can turn draws into wins it will be even better but we have to keep believing as there are a lot of positive things at the moment."

Lucas believes that his presence in the midfield will improve the club’s attacking displays:

"My role is especially key for players like Stevie and Joe, Jordan Henderson, Nuri Sahin and Jonjo Shelvey - the offensive players.

"When you have a player who is not really a holding midfielder (Allen performed the role in Lucas' absence) the players feel maybe feel a bit worried to join the attack and leave too much space

"If I give that opportunity for them to shine I will be very happy."