Liverpool FC News: DIRK KUYT believes Lucas has proved he has both the talent and the character to be a long-term success at Anfield.

The Brazilian has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks and shone in Monday’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Lucas has struck up a promising central midfield partnership with Raul Meireles and with Steven Gerrard still out they will continue alongside each other at Newcastle tomorrow.

Kuyt has seen the 23-year-old, who is set to be rewarded with a new contract, make giant strides forward during his fourth season with the club.

“Lucas has done really well recently and is developing into a great player,” Kuyt said.

“In the last couple of weeks he has really clicked with Raul. With Lucas as the holding midfielder and Raul as the passing player it has worked really well.

“That’s been a big plus for us. Lucas has also got himself into the Brazil team and deserves a lot of credit.”

Lucas struggled to win over supporters following his £5million move from Gremio in 2007.

His future was the subject of speculation last summer but Kuyt says he has answered his critics in the best possible way.

“I know Lucas had a bit of stick at the beginning of his career with Liverpool but he always kept working so hard in training sessions to improve,” he added.

“He waited for his chances to come along and stayed focused on what he had to do.

“He has showed a lot of character to come through that and I’m sure all the experiences he’s had so far have made him stronger not only as a footballer but as a person as well.

“There isn’t a player in the world who doesn’t have good and bad times. You just have to make the best of it.When things aren’t going the way you want you just to keep working and Lucas has done that.”

Lucas still has 18 months to run on his current contract but boss Roy Hodgson has revealed they plan to offer him a new deal.

“A couple of weeks ago Damien Comolli (director of football strategy) mentioned to me about him wanting to get in touch with Lucas’s agent to discuss a new contract, but I can’t quite frankly remember where we are,” Hodgson said.

“Certainly if you ask me the question ’is Lucas welcome at the club and would we like to keep him?’ then the answer is a resounding ’yes’.”

Gerrard won’t be considered for tomorrow’s trip to St James’ Park but the skipper is expected to be fit for the home clash with Fulham a week later.

Fernando Torres will return to action in the North East after missing the victory over Villa to attend the birth of his son.

Hodgson hopes to have Daniel Agger back available next weekend. The centre-back has been out since September with a calf problem.

“His attitude is first class and we are targeting the Fulham game,” he said.