Liverpool forward Dani Pacheco has not ruled out the prospect of going out on loan in January to gain more playing time.

The young Spaniard, 20 next month, has recently signed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2014 - dismissing speculation he was keen for a return to his homeland.

Pacheco has made nine first-team appearances this season, five of which have been in the Europa League, but he is highly rated at Anfield and is expected to play a significant role in coming seasons.

But with his long-term future secure, Pacheco is considering what is best for him this season.

'I'm delighted to have signed a new deal. I'm being sincere when I say that I see my future here, I'd like it to be so,' he told guillembalague.com.

'I had talks with Damien Comolli (Liverpool's director of football strategy) when signing a new contract and he told me that young players like myself and Martin Kelly are central to his vision for the club.

'I'm training well and (manager) Roy Hodgson is happy with me; he's seen what I can do in the Europa League.

'But in order to get some playing time, and if it suits the club, the best thing would be for me to go out on loan.

'However, we will have to see how things stand in January and if the club are in agreement, then a loan move might be best for everyone.'

Dirk Kuyt has hailed the form of Liverpool team-mate Lucas and says that the midfielder has been a key performer for the Anfield club this season.

With captain Steven Gerrard out injured Lucas has formed an effective midfield partnership with summer signing Raul Meireles, and Kuyt believes that the Brazilian deserves a lot of credit for Liverpool's improving form.

"Lucas has done really well recently and is developing into a great player," Kuyt told the club's official website.

"In the last couple of weeks he has really clicked with Raul [Meireles]. With Lucas as the holding midfielder and Raul as the passing player it has worked really well.

"That's been a big plus for us. Lucas has also got himself into the Brazil team and deserves a lot of credit."

The departure of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the past two seasons have seen Lucas become a regular starter in the Liverpool midfield.

And Dutchman Kuyt has praised the character and spirit of the midfielder, who has been heavily criticsed by Liverpool fans in the past.

"He waited for his chance to come along and stayed focused on what he had to do.

"He showed a lot of character to come through that and I'm sure all the experiences he's had so far have made him stronger not only as a footballer but as a person as well.

"There isn't a player in the world who doesn't have good and bad times. You just have to make the best of it. When things aren't going the way you want you just have to keep working and Lucas has done that."

Lucas has made 141 appearances for Liverpool and manager Roy Hodgson believes that the midfielder's impressive form is a result of the 23-year-old finally feeling at home on Merseyside.

"Lucas is working hard on the tactical side of his game and working hard on the shape of the team," said Hodgson, as quoted by the Press Association.

"He is a very intelligent player and I think it is very much that he is happy in his role.

"He knows very much what we are looking for from him and feels confident he can deliver it.

"On top of that he has that bit of extra confidence which being selected for Brazil brings - confidence for footballers is a vital ingredient."

liverpool vs newcastle - astro, what time?

liverpool plan new deal for lucas!

OMG...my eyes...Igor Biscan...I don't even realised that when i watch it the last time around..

wasnt he being one time disliked midfielder?

we got new scapegoats.. poulsen.. and konchesky

if RH dun start Poulsen at Midfield, we will win the second away game of the season later tonite