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JUDGING by the sparkling red Ferrari he drives, Alexander Doni is happy to be the centre of attention.

It’s just as well because all eyes will be on the Brazilian goalkeeper at Anfield today when he makes his Liverpool debut against Aston Villa.

Pepe Reina’s three-match ban following his sending off at Newcastle last weekend has handed an opportunity to the 32-year-old, who has been warming the bench since his arrival on a free transfer from Roma last summer.

The fans’ only previous sighting of Doni was in the friendly against Rangers at Ibrox back in October when he was forced off in the second half with a dislocated finger.

However, his compatriot Lucas Leiva insists there’s no need for anyone to be concerned about the quality of Reina’s deputy.

Doni was in the Brazil squad when the Reds midfielder broke into the senior international set-up in 2007 and Lucas is confident he’s got what it takes to fill the void.

“Of course it’s a shame to lose Pepe but this is a big chance for Doni,” Lucas said.

“He has been waiting a long time to make his debut and now he has these three matches. He will try to take his chance.

“I remember that friendly he played against Rangers earlier in the season. He was unlucky as he got injured and had to come off that night but when he was on the pitch he was our best player. He showed what he can do with some great saves.

“I first met Doni when we were both part of the national squad. In 2007 he was the first choice keeper going into the Copa America and played a really important part in Brazil winning that tournament.

“He saved two penalties in the semi-final win over Uruguay. I wasn’t involved in the team at that time but I was watching closely and I could see Doni was a very good goalkeeper.

“He was also part of the squad at the last World Cup but then a new manager came in with new ideas. Obviously with not playing games since he came to Liverpool that’s made trying to get back into the national squad really difficult but he has trained well and he’s ready to play. I’m sure he will do well for us.”

As Reina’s run of 183 consecutive league appearances comes to an end, Doni will become the first keeper other than the Spaniard to start a Premier League game for the Reds since Daniele Padelli played against Charlton in May 2007.

Lucas believes his giant 6ft 5ins frame will help him adapt to the demands of English football.

And he insists having spent six years in Italy, where he clocked up 179 appearances for Roma, Doni won’t be fazed by the prospect of taking a bow in front of the Kop.

“I don’t think he will be nervous,” Lucas said.

“He’s not a young player, he has a lot of experience. He had a very good record at Roma and played in Champions League matches for them.

“He’s a big, strong keeper so I don’t think the physical side of football here will be a problem for him. It’s not as if the league in Italy is soft.

“All of that counts in his favour and I think he will manage well.

“It’s not easy to come into the side when you haven’t played for so long but I don’t think it will be too difficult for him to deal with.

“I know he’s looking forward to it and he has confidence in his own ability.”

Lucas will be at Anfield today to support the Reds as they look to end a miserable run of three straight league defeats. The 25-year-old has been sorely missed following the anterior cruciate ligament injury which ended his season back in November.

After undergoing surgery in Brazil, he has been back at Melwood since the start of the year and his rehabilitation is on track. Lucas won’t be able to influence how Liverpool end this campaign but hopes to be back firing on all cylinders for next season.

“I’m fine and the recovery is going well,” he revealed. “It’s my first major injury and it was difficult to take but I’m focused on doing everything I can to get back playing.

“I’ve had so many messages from the fans and that has helped me to stay positive.

“There’s still a long way to go but everything is going as planned.

“I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made. I’ll be back to help the team next season.”

Lucas admits watching from the sidelines has been tough but insists despite the Reds’ recent struggles his belief in Kenny Dalglish’s squad remains unshaken.

“Of course I would like to be on the pitch helping my team-mates,” he added.

“This is a bad moment but I know we will come through it.

“It’s just a question of confidence and we need to all stick together. If we can get two good results in the league against Villa and Blackburn then the mood will be much better going into a massive game against Everton at Wembley next weekend.”