As part of this year's Premier League Places for Players scheme, the Brazilian took time out to talk to youngsters from the local area about his career and his dream of playing alongside Ronaldinho and Kaka at the 2010 World Cup, before slipping on some goalkeeping gloves to take part in a penalty shoot-out.

It was all in aid of Kickz, a football based community project that aims to engage young people aged 12-18 years, using local ball parks and facilities.

After handling a whole host of no-holds-barred questions, in which he was interrogated with a number of posers that were way tougher than any post match interview, Lucas made the short trip into the nearby sports hall to try his luck between the sticks.

fun evening

Several goals and a rueful smile later, he was happy to chat about a fun evening with an important message behind it.

"I enjoyed being able to come along and spend some time with the kids," said Lucas.

"They want to know everything about Liverpool and we had some good fun with the questions. It was my first time at an event like this and I am really happy and proud to have been able to do it.

"The project is really important. It helps to show kids how to be a good person. I am happy to be here and be able to do my little bit. Hopefully I will be back soon."

While Lucas continued to pose for photographs and sign shirts for star-struck youngsters, one of the main organisers behind Liverpool's involvement in the project, Forbes Duff was keen to explain the key aims of Kickz.

positive way

"Our programme targets anti-social behavior in the hot-spot areas in and around Liverpool," said the LFC in the Community officer.

"It's the only Barclays Premier League initiative where Everton and Liverpool have come together, so it is quite a big thing.

"We work closely with Merseyside police and they identified Anfield as one of the main areas of arson, youth nuisance and things like that.

"We therefore took the decision to work in Anfield, which is great for the club because it is close to the stadium and will affect the local families and their children.

"We are just trying to influence young people's lives in a positive way and football is a big tool for doing that."