Lucas pleased with debut season

Last updated : 06 May 2008 By Al Campbell
The midfielder was signed in the Summer as one for the future but he has forced his way into the first team this season and his performances persuaded Rafael Benitez to sell Momo Sissoko to Juventus.

Although Lucas is disappointed to be ending the season empty handed he says it is pleasing to have become a first team regular.

"I was pleased to start [on Sunday]. [Sunday] was my 31st appearance and I think I am improving all of the time," said the Brazilian.

"It was really difficult to lose the semi-final, especially because we played well, but we need to forget that now and think about next season. We cannot change what's happened now and we just need to try to finish this season well with a win against Tottenham."