Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Lucas Chasing World Cup Dream

Lucas Leiva hopes to hold down a regular role at Liverpool and earn an international recall ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

With international football's showpiece event heading back to Brazil for the first time in over 60 years, securing a spot within the hosts' squad has become a top target for Samba stars around the world.

Lucas is no different to any of his fellow countrymen, with the Liverpool midfielder having already been capped on 20 occasions.

The 26-year-old has, however, been overlooked by national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for Wednesday's friendly date with England at Wembley.

Lucas is disappointed not to be involved in that game, but appreciates that injuries have held him back in the last couple of years and that he has to prove his form and fitness all over again.

"I am focused on returning to the top of my game and returning to 100 per cent," Lucas told Sky Sports.

"I am looking to help Liverpool and enter into the plans for Brazil.

"Logically my dream is to play for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. For any Brazilian player, that will be enormous.

"To make the England game was virtually impossible. It was another blow after three months out, but I am convinced that Scolari will offer me an opportunity."

On Liverpool's mixed form this season, Lucas added: "Inconsistency has been a problem. We have played many good matches, but we have failed on other days also. We need to correct that.

"The FA Cup game against Oldham was a big blow. Nobody believed that could happen and the dressing room did suffer. That competition was a big challenge for us."

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