LUCAS LEIVA is convinced Liverpool have still yet to realise their full potential as he expressed his pride at being handed the captain’s armband.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish brought in seven new players during the summer transfer window as part of a major squad strengthening programme.

The Anfield outfit have subsequently enjoyed a reasonable start to the campaign, with Saturday’s 1-1 draw against champions Manchester United keeping them within striking distance of the top four and a Champions League qualification berth.

And Lucas believes results will improve further once the new recruits fully acclimatise to life at Liverpool.

“I think there is more to come,” said the midfielder. “There are a lot of new players that came in over the summer and it always takes time to settle and build an understanding between the players.

“I think there is a lot to come and hopefully it will be a successful season for us."

The Brazil international’s ever-present Premier League record this season will come to an end on Saturday as he sits out the visit of Norwich City having accrued five bookings, four of which have come in successive games.

“Unfortunately I will be out of the game because I am suspended,” said Lucas. “But I will be cheering the players on. I think we deserved to win against Manchester United.

“We played really well and now we have to take the positives into the next game, hopefully get the three points and be closer to the top four."

An experimental Liverpool side slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Rangers in Tuesday’s showpiece friendly at Ibrox.