Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise upon midfielder Lucas Leiva, calling him the "ultimate professional".

Lucas drew many accolades for his performances at the start of last season before suffering a cruciate ligament injury in November, putting him out for the rest of the campaign.

The 25-year-old Brazilian is due to make his comeback during pre-season, two months ahead of schedule, and Rodgers believes that this fact alone highlights his determination.

"He's the ultimate professional. He is going to be a brilliant player for me in my career here at Liverpool and I'm looking forward to seeing him back fully fit," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"I've only been at the club a short period of time, and when I first arrived, everyone told me about how special he was as a player and a character, and he's even better when you meet him in real life and see how hard he works.

"The injury he's had is normally nine months before you get back at all, so he's back two months early. You only do that through one thing: sheer determination and hard work. I know that every day of his life he is fighting hard to get back, and as I said, he's not only a top footballer but a top guy as well."

Lucas joined the Reds in 2007, and has since gone on to play 183 times for the Anfield club.