'Brazilian Lucas deserves a break' Benitez speaks up for Reds' new midfielder.

RAFAEL Benitez has launched a passionate defence of Brazilian youngster Lucas ahead of tonight's final Champions League group game in Eindhoven.

The 21-year-old has his critics among Liverpool fans, some of whom gave the midfielder a rough time last month in the frustrating 0-0 draw with Fulham.

Many within the Anfield hierarchy were surprised to hear supporters booing one of their own players, and Benitez's reaction was to defiantly leave Lucas on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, ignoring the clamour to replace him.

Since then it is understood that Benitez had to listen to further attacks on the pounds 5m signing when he attended a charity dinner last week in Liverpool with assistant manager Sammy Lee.

Lucas and Robbie Keane were singled out for criticism during a question and answer session at the dinner involving several TV pundits and fans.

That may explain why Benitez has suddenly become fulsome in his praise for Brazil's Under-21 captain, who is expected to figure prominently in the side which faces PSV Eindhoven in the final Group D match in the Philips Stadion.

Robbie Keane was the only striker in the 18-strong party which flew to Holland earlier today.

Dirk Kuyt was left behind with a minor hamstring injury, although Benitez had planned to rest the Dutchman.

Benitez will use several of his squad players in Holland and could rest - at least from the start - the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa.

He said: "People just don't know how good Lucas is. He is a fantastic player, he was captain of his club side at 19 and has already won full caps with Brazil.

"Not just any country, but Brazil. He has captained their Under-21s and their Olympic team.

"He has a very good mentality.

When you talk of Brazilian players you know they are skilful with ability. But Lucas is a worker and has a very good approach.

"He can tackle, he can pass the ball and he can win in the air. He is still a very young player learning to live in a different country.

"It is not easy for him to get into the team, considering the quality of the opposition he has to face in that department at Anfield, like Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

Elsewhere, Chelsea entertain Romanian underdogs CFR Cluj knowing that they could go out if results go against them.

Phil Scolari's side may need to win to ensure their progress, but the Portuguesemanager said: "This is only one more game. It is important for our qualification for the next phase. It is the same as other games because we need three points. If we win, we are in the next phase."

[e-mail]

CAPTION(S):

GIVE HIM A BREAK: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has told critics to lay off Lucas, right