Lucas Leiva admits he was thrilled to skipper Liverpool in a competitive game for the first time on Thursday - but warned the Europa League third qualifying round tie with FK Rabotnicki is not yet over.

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The Brazilian captained a youthful Reds side to a 2-0 first-leg success in Skopje and while many will see Roy Hodgson's contingent as overwhelming favourites to reach the next stage of the competition, Lucas insists there is still work to be done in the return at Anfield next week.

"We are really pleased to get our first win of the season," he said. "It was an important game and we scored two away goals without conceding. We've started in the right way and hopefully we can keep the same level for the next match.

"But the tie is not safe yet. We still have to play the second leg and we will have to make sure we beat them again and try to reach the next round.

"I hope everyone is back for the next game and with the full squad we will be even better."

Lucas could not hide his delight at wearing the captain's armband in Macedonia, although he is well aware he'll soon be handing it back over once the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher return to action.

Nonetheless, the 23-year-old believes such competition will only be of benefit to Liverpool over the course of the season.

He said: "It's a really good achievement for me. I am really proud and happy, but of course the most important thing was to get the win.

"I know there are a lot of senior players in front of me but hopefully I did a good job and can keep going.

"Competition for places is good - for us, the team and the season. When you have good competition with good players it is always better for the team."

Due to rights issues, we are unable to bring you goals and highlights from our Europa League victory online. We apologise for the disappointment this may cause.