Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits he is 'excited' by the prospect of £20million summer recruit Alberto Aquilani making his long-awaited first start for the Reds against Fiorentina the weekend.

Aquilani, 25, moved to Anfield in a big-money deal from AS Roma, but is yet to fully recover from the ankle surgery he had prior to the transfer in August.

However, the 'Little Prince' is set to be handed his first start at Anfield on Wednesday evening as Rafa Benitez's men host La Viola in what is effectively a UEFA Champions League dead rubber with the Reds already eliminated.

Aquilani's expected inclusion as been greeted with excitment amongst Liverpool players, including Lucas, who is excited to see the classy Italian in action after being impressed with his showings in training.

"It is exciting that Alberto is going to get his first chance and we are all looking forward to it - we will give him all the support and respect he needs," he told the Reds' official website.

"When you have been out for a long time injured, it takes a while for you to get your rhythm back. But it is easy to see in training that he has got quality on the ball and we hope he is going to help us."

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres is expected to start on the bench having recovered from his recent groin trouble, with the aim the give the Spanish hitman a run out before the Reds' crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday.