Andrea Dossena and Lucas upbeat after revival of fortunes - Liverpool FC latest

Italian Dossena is now determined to prove the £7million Rafael Benitez paid Udinese last summer can still be justified, as he aims to stay for the duration of his three-year contract.

He has seen Fabio Aurelio and Emiliano Insua limit his appearances at left-back and he has looked vulnerable defensively when he has made the team.

But he feels that his resurgence in the past week has made the waiting and worrying worthwhile.

"It has been a tough fight to get into this team," Dossena said. "But if you work hard every day and don't give up, even in bad times, you get these moments that make it worthwhile. The change and adapting to English football gave me some difficulties to start with, but with the help of a great coach like Rafael Benítez, I'm starting to understand how to play in the team. You adapt to step by step."

Dossena has admitted that he is eyeing a return to Italy - but while his early displays suggested that could come as soon as the end of this season, he is now hoping to persuade Benitez not to cash in on him.

"I have a three-year contract and I am happy here," added Dossena. "Of course, I keep an eye on Italy - it's my homeland, so never say never.

"But as I said, I feel very good here after a difficult start. I will discuss it with Benítez and the club and then we will see."

Lucas's season reached a new low in the 2-0 win over Sunderland two weeks ago when he was booed by sections of the Anfield crowd as he came on.

However, the Brazilian responded to the challenge of being thrown into the midfield in the absence of Xabi Alonso at Old Trafford and he has revealed he is growing in confidence.

And he says the recent adverse reaction he has suffered from supporters hasn't led to him questioning his future.

"I've got three more years to go on my contract and I'm really happy here," he said. "My girlfriend is happy in Liverpool and everybody at the club is supporting me. I have never thought about leaving.

"I think I'm improving and I have more confidence every day.

"The team is playing well too, which also helps. Everyone is on fire - all these things help me.

"I don't think about what some of the people say. I have to concentrate on the team. Rafa always gives me a lot of confidence.

"I know some people don't trust me yet but I will try to show them my quality, and I think I've now started doing that.

"When you have games in a row you get more confidence. You get some rhythm. It is more difficult when you play just one or two games a month but I have to work hard, try to improve every day and try to get to my best level."