Brendan Rodgers pleased with Jose Enrique's recent performances for Liverpool

The Spaniard, who usually operates at left-back, was told to step up his game in the opening weeks of the season or face the possibility of leaving the club in January.

Enrique has since risen to the challenge and has been impressive in a wide role on the left side of midfield, starting the Reds' last seven Premier League matches.

Rodgers is pleased with how the 26-year-old has responded to the challenge and believes that playing him further upfield was helpful.

"That was always the idea," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo about playing Enrique in left midfield.

"I felt that he was someone with tremendous ability, but I think its massive credit to him how he has taken on board the chats that we've had and the messages we've given him.

"He has listened and taken it on board, and that's to his enormous credit.

"I think the spell on the left side has made him feel that he can actually get into the box and be a threat in that way. Because when I came here, I wanted my full-backs to do that, to get up there and join in up there. That's vital.

"Jose never really did that at first, to be honest, but now you see he's had that spell on the side. I thought he was sensational [in a 1-0 win against Southampton at home on Saturday].

"He looks more aggressive, and it's fantastic for him. He will be very important in our way of working in the future."

Rodgers: Flops should follow Lucas

The Brazil midfielder seamlessly slotted back into the team for the 1-0 victory over Southampton in his first appearance for three months after a thigh strain.

His performance underlined just how important he is to the side and further highlighted how much he has grown into a key figure after a difficult start to life at Anfield.

Lucas was signed by former boss Rafael Benitez from Gremio for 5million in 2007 but despite enjoying the support of the manager fans quickly turned on the then 20-year-old, criticism which left him distraught at times.

Rodgers believes the likes of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson, big-money signings who have failed to impress in their first 16 months, could learn much from the Brazilian.

"I think he is a wonderful example," said the Northern Irishman after Daniel Agger headed in Glen Johnson's cross for his first goal of the season at the end of a dominant first half against the Saints.

"I know it was difficult for him as I have spoken to him at length about when he was sat in tears sometimes in the changing room - it was so difficult for him.

"But what you have to have is that inner belief and the support around you.

"I am sure in those early stages he would have had that and it allowed him to continue to fight and his own personality has seen him win through and now he is very important.

"It will be the same for the other guys. Everyone gets the opportunity and I would like to give the players the hope they can succeed.

"So it might not have been so easy for some players but everyone is important to me and they all have a part to play."

Lucas' reappearance, after what he described as the worst year of his life after only 74 minutes of Barclays Premier League action following knee surgery 12 months ago, gave Liverpool a whole new dynamic.

His anchor role in front of the back four allowed midfield partners Steven Gerrard and Joe A llen, as well as full-backs Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique, to push forward more and it led to one-way traffic in the first half.

In the 14 attempts in the opening 45 minutes Jonjo Shelvey smashed a shot back off the inside of a post while Luis Suarez crashed a free-kick against the crossbar which eventually led to the goal.

Lucas is hoping for a fresh start after dismissing his two Premier League appearances, and two in Europa League qualifiers.

"I didn't count the other comeback because it was so short," said the 25-year-old.

"I was really looking forward to the game and the feeling against Southampton was the same as my first match for Gremio.

"I played more minutes (88) than people were expecting and now it is just a question of games and training sessions, that is the only way I will get to the level I was.

"I think it was really positive, especially as it is a year since my first injury.

"I was really pleased with the per formance. I need to improve a lot but that is a good step I have made.

"Everyone knows it has been a long journey for me to turn around the opinion of people but they really appreciate the work I do for the team and the passion I have for the club.

"It was a great day for me and I hope I have many more."

Allen welcomes back Lucas

The Brazil international made his comeback at the weekend after three months out with a thigh problem, having already been sidelined since last November after knee surgery.

It provided the Reds with defensive surety in the middle of the pitch and allowed their full-backs and more creative midfielders, Allen and Steven Gerrard, to get forward.

The 1-0 victory over Southampton, which included a completely one-sided first half, lifted Liverpool to within seven points of third-placed Chelsea.

And Allen thinks the return of Lucas can help them close the gap further.

"You're always going to miss quality players like Lucas and it's great to have him back in the side," said the Wales international.

"His return, with the steel and quality he brings, is only going to help the team going forward.

"It's a very important role. If you look at the top teams, they all utilise that position and have a quality player there and it is for a reas on, it is vital for the way we want to play.

"With him back playing, I'm sure we'll get the benefits of that in terms of points and our position in the table.

"We've closed the gap (to the top four) a bit and for a club like Liverpool, that has to be our target.

"We have got a run of games now where we want to pick up points and further reduce that deficit."

Allen is also hopeful the freedom playing alongside Lucas brings will allow him to show a different side to his game as on Saturday he was released to attack more having spent most of his debut season at Anfield in the holding role.

"That's more my natural position," he added. "I haven't played there for a while so I found myself trying to get back into the swing of things.

"I had that security of knowing that Lucas was there.

"It gives you the chance to express yourself further up the pitch, and try to get involved in creating and scoring goals."

Lucas relishing crucial month

Having already played all of the Premier League's top seven, Brendan Rodgers' side have a run of six matches of which they will be expected to win the majority.

Despite the Reds' disappointing start to the campaign they are only seven points adrift of third-placed Chelsea as teams above them have all dropped points in recent weeks.

"It shows the Premier League is very tight at the moment," said the Brazil international, who returned for Saturday's victory over Southampton after three months out with a thigh strain - coming just four matches into his comeback from knee surgery a year ago.

"The gap to third place is not too bad. If we had had a few more wins we would be closer but we can't change that.

"We have a lot of games now and if we can get three or four wins in a row I think we will be very close to the top four.

"We just have to think to move on to get more points, especially in the crucial time which is coming.

"If we can turn draws into wins it will be even better but we have to keep believing as there are a lot of positive things at the moment."

The return of Lucas in the midfield holding role gives Liverpool greater strength in a key position and his presence was definitely felt against the Saints.

It allowed Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen to play more advanced roles and despite scoring just once, Lucas is confident the team will be able to score more goals in the future.

"The manager said to us that the decision-making in the final third could be better and as soon as we make the right decisions we will start to score more goals," added the 25-year-old.

"It's a new process with a new manager and a new style of game.

"At the end of May I think we will have more positives than negatives to take.

"My role is especially key for players like Stevie and Joe, Jordan Henderson, Nuri Sahin and Jonjo Shelvey - the offensive players.

"When you have a player who is not really a holding midfielder (Allen performed the role in Lucas' absence) the players feel maybe feel a bit worried to join the attack and leave too much space

"But they know I will be there so this gives them confidence to join the attack, try to score goals and create chances.

"You could see Stevie was very close to scoring (against Southampton), Joe joined the attack and created chances so I am just happy the way I can help.

"If I give that opportunity for them to shine I will be very happy."

The difference Lucas made to the team dynamic did not go unnoticed by Rodgers.

"I thought he was terrific. He gives us great stability when we haven't got the ball, he intercepts, gets the ball back quickly and can read the game," he said.

"Him coming in allows the two other more advanced players to play in that central corridor and run higher up the pitch and get in the box.

"When you get the certain types into the right positions, you can see how the team functions and improves."

Rodgers described the weekend performance as "sensational" and believes the plans he instigated on his arrival in the summer are finally starting to bear fruit.

"It is going to take time but these are the ideas we are trying to put into the team in terms of patience," he added.

"We had 14 shots in the first half. You can't score every time you have the ball but I thought the first half was as good as we have played consistently.

"It was systematic and continual and I think we have shown the ideas for the players to pass and create chances and be free, building the game and trying to tire teams out with the ball.

"It has all taken time but I can see great improvements."

Reds away, Saints host holders

The draw for the third round of the competition was made at Wembley on Sunday by Fabrice Muamba and Ledley King.

Two non-league sides must fight it out for the right to host Liverpool.

Lincoln and Mansfield drew 3-3 at Sincil Bank on Saturday and the replay will carry the bounty of a lucrative home meeting with Brendan Rodgers' men.

Rafael Benitez's Chelsea will begin their defence of the trophy with a tough-looking all-Premier League tie at St Mary's.

The two sides have yet to meet in the league this season and last met in the FA Cup in 1977 when Saints knocked out the Blues in a third-round replay.

Perhaps the most attractive third-round tie, though, sends Manchester United to West Ham.

Sir Alex Ferguson's 11-time winners beat the Hammers 1-0 in the league last week, but the two have enjoyed some memorable cup battles over the years, including when Paolo Di Canio scored the only goal of a surprise 1-0 West Ham win in 2001.< /p>

Premier League champions Manchester City host Gianfranco Zola's Watford, while Arsenal, whose last trophy was the 2005 FA Cup, must head to Swansea, the side who sent them off their own field to a chorus of boos with a 2-0 win on Saturday.

There is a tie for the nostalgics at White Hart Lane where Tottenham have been paired with Coventry, evoking memories of City's famous 3-2 final win over Spurs in 1987.

Everton face would-be giant-killers in the form of Cheltenham or Hereford, who play on Monday.

Elsewhere for the Premier League sides, 2011 finalists Stoke head to Championship leaders Crystal Palace, Newcastle travel to Brighton who beat them last season, and Fulham are at home to Blackpool.

Seven-time winners Aston Villa welcome Ipswich to the midlands, Bournemouth travel to Wigan and Reading go to Crawley, whose director of football is former Royals boss Steve Coppell.

Bottom-of-the-table QPR lock horns with West Brom, Norwich go to Championship strugglers Peterborough and 1973 winners Sunderland are at Bolton.

Hastings United, the lowest-ranked team left, have the lure of a trip to Middlesbrough if they beat Harrogate Town in a replay, while Barrow or Macclesfield will be at home to Cardiff.

The other games put Charlton up against Huddersfield, Barnsley against Burnley, Leicester against Burton and Millwall against Preston.

League One leaders Tranmere go to Derby, Aldershot face Rotherham or Notts County, Sheffield United head to Accrington or Oxford and Nottingham Forest play Oldham.

Hull boss Steve Bruce, a winner with Manchester United, will host Leyton Orient, Blackburn meet Bristol City, Leeds and Birmingham lock horns, Bury or Southend meet Bradford or Brentford, Wolves go to Luton and finally, MK Dons go to Sheffield Wednesday after beating AFC Wimbledon 2-1.

FA Cup third-round draw in full:

Crystal Palace v Stoke, Brighton v Newcastle, Tottenham v C oventry, Wigan v Bournemouth, Fulham v Blackpool, Aston Villa v Ipswich, Charlton v Huddersfield, Barrow or Macclesfield v Cardiff, Barnsley v Burnley, Manchester City v Watford, Swansea v Arsenal, Leicester v Burton Albion, Millwall v Preston, Cheltenham Town or Hereford United v Everton, Derby v Tranmere, Crawley v Reading, Aldershot v Rotherham or Notts County, Middlesbrough v Harrogate Town or Hastings United, Accrington or Oxford United v Sheffield United, Southampton v Chelsea, QPR v West Brom, Peterborough v Norwich, Lincoln City or Mansfield v Liverpool, Bolton v Sunderland, Nottingham Forest v Oldham, West Ham v Manchester United, Hull City v Leyton Orient, Blackburn v Bristol City, Leeds United v Birmingham, Bury or Southend v Bradford or Brentford, Luton v Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday v MK Dons.

Ties to be played over the weekend of 5 and 6 January, 2013.

Premier League: West Ham suffer blow as Andy Carroll is ruled out until February

The Liverpool forward moved to Upton Park in the summer on a season-long deal but suffered the injury in the midweek defeat at Manchester United.

Carroll, who missed several weeks earlier in the campaign with a hamstring problem, was substituted shortly after the hour mark at Old Trafford and further assessment has now identified the 35million man will be ruled out for the remainder of 2012.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce fears the England international, who only scored his first goal of the season in last weekend's defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, may not return until February.

"It is pretty severe - lateral ligament, I think," Allardyce told Sky Sports ahead of Saturday lunchtime's Premier League kick-off against Chelsea.

"We did not expect it to be quite as severe as it was but it looks like maybe six to eight weeks. So that is a bit of a blow for us and Andy.

"But we must solider on. There is not a lot we can do about these trauma inju ries."

QPR join big guns on agents' fees list

City were the biggest spenders on 10,537,982 - up from 9,663,700 - with Liverpool second having shelled out 8,600,444 - an increase from 7,000,242.99.

But it was Rangers, who brought in a number of high-profile signings over the summer including Julio Cesar, Park Ji sung, Jose Bosingwa and Esteban Granero, whose payments stood out, with their figure having almost trebled from 2,499,214 in 2010/11.

Tottenham (6,595,905) were fourth on the list, followed by Champions League winners Chelsea (6,490,382), Arsenal (5,580,873) and West Ham (4,436,992), while Manchester United's figure dropped to 3,681,580 from 4,457,103.

Promoted Southampton had the lowest figure (646,106), with Swansea - last year's lowest spenders - second-bottom of the list despite their payments having risen from 248,633 to 1,100,845.

The overall amount spent by the 20 top-flight clubs was 77,003,130 (806 transactions), compared to 71,868,749.94 (765 transactions) for the pre vious 12 months.

Payments made by each Premier League club to agents in the period October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 (amounts shown include payments made by clubs on behalf of players):

Arsenal 5,580,873

Aston Villa 2,730,539

Chelsea 6,490,382

Everton 3,092,891

Fulham 2,581,208

Liverpool 8,600,444

Manchester City 10,537,982

Manchester United 3,681,580

Newcastle 3,485,503

Norwich 1,248,725

QPR 6,818,688

Reading 2,167,833

Southampton 646,106

Stoke 1,717,266

Sunderland 2,173,762

Swansea 1,100,845

Tottenham 6,595,905

West Brom 1,341,301

West Ham 4,436,992

Wigan 1,974,305

Total: 77,003,130

Payments made by each Premier League club to agents in the period October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011:

Arsenal 4,648,532.17

Aston Villa 3,163,320

Blackburn 4,227,056.93

Bolton 1,941,896.08

Chelse a 6,457,747.37

Everton 2,931,127.10

Fulham 951,245.50

Liverpool 7,000,242.99

Manchester City 9,663,700

Manchester United 4,457,103

Newcastle 6,380,488

Norwich 710,251.75

QPR 2,499,214

Stoke 2,207,698.11

Sunderland 3,735,384.29

Swansea 248,633

Tottenham 7,571,815.27

West Brom 1,305,576.38

Wigan 659,800

Wolves 1,107,918

Total: 71,868,749.94