"He could have had the winner in the derby on his league debut and there aren't many players who can say that," said the Reds skipper.
"It is always difficult for new players to come on in the derby, especially when they're used to playing a different style of football in a different country. But Lucas came on and acquitted himself well.
"I've seen enough of him in training and in games to know that he has got a great future.
"He is only a young lad but once he picks up more experience and if he keeps on doing the right things in training and listening to the right people, then I'm sure he will go on to be a great player."
