Jay Spearing is hoping that Liverpool decide against purchasing new midfielders in the January transfer window as he believes that he can fill the role of long-term absentee Lucas Leiva.

The 23-year-old was drafted into the Reds' side following the news that Lucas would be ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

Despite Spearing getting sent off during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Fulham last week, the playmaker believes that he can still prove himself to boss Kenny Dalglish.

"It has always been my dream to play week-in, week-out," said Spearing. "It's up to me to prove myself to the manager on a daily basis, so that when the transfer window does open and he has money at his disposal, he can look at a position like mine and think, 'There's no need to sign anyone there – we're pretty strong'."

The Merseyside-born midfielder will not be available for the Reds' Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.