Lucas: “I am confident that I can score more goals.”

Lucas Leiva believes Liverpool fans can expect a far better goal return from him next season after revealing that boss Rafael Benitez had given him a licence to thrill.

The Brazilian midfielder, who netted a fine opener in the Reds’ 2-1 win over Lucerne on Wednesday night, is eager to better his tally of just one goal during his first campaign with the club.

He is confident a more attack-minded role will see him reap the benefits when it comes to getting his name on the scoresheet.

“It’s always nice to score a goal, and it was a good goal and a good win for the team, so I’m happy about that,” he said.

“We know we have to work hard in pre-season because we have a long season ahead and we are trying to put the things we are doing in training into practice in the matches.

“The manager has given me more freedom to go forward and that suits because that is my style.

“I think my form and fitness are improving every day even though it has been tiring because pre-season has been hard but I am happy with my goal.

“I am confident that I can score more goals. Last season I got only one but in Brazil I scored quite a few so I have the belief that I can score more for Liverpool.”

Lucas’ opening goal on 10 minutes came courtesy of an exquisite throughball from 17-year-old starlet Dani Pacheco - and the former Gremio man was full of praise for the young Spaniard as well as match winner Andriy Voronin.

“It was good for us to win because it helps with our confidence but it wasn’t vital at this stage.

“It is more important for us to get our form and our fitness and that is what we are working really hard to do.

“But Andriy’s goal gave us the win and it was a very good goal. He did really well to score because he spotted the keeper off his line and chipped him - he will be pleased with that.

“Also, it was a great pass from Pacheco for my goal. He is a very intelligent player and he is getting better and better all the time.

“He is only 17 but I think he has a good future because he is already showing his qualities for Liverpool.”