Lucas Leiva has leapt to the defence of Liverpool striker David Ngog and believes he will not be targeted by referees after winning a controversial penalty against Birmingham on Monday.

Blues midfielder Lee Carsley accused Ngog of diving after appearing to make no contact with the Reds player when making a challenge in the box.

But Lucas' own instant reaction was that a spot-kick was the correct award and feels Ngog will not be affected by the furore over the incident.

Lucas, currently preparing for Brazil's friendly international with England in Doha on Saturday, said: "To be honest I was on the pitch and I thought straight away 'it is a penalty.'

"I really didn't see another decision that the referee could have made.

"These things happen in football. 50% of the time it is not a penalty. We just have to give David confidence to keep going.

"He had a great game and he is improving all the time."

Lucas added: "I don't think David will get targeted by referees.

"Something similar happened with Eduardo as well earlier this season - and we know Eduardo is not a diver.

"We have to give David confidence and hopefully he will be okay for the next game."

Lucas admits the pressure is greater playing for Liverpool than his country because of the current plight of the Anfield club.

He said: "How do I find the pressure of playing for Brazil and Liverpool? To be honest, the pressure now at Liverpool is worse.

"With Brazil, we are qualified for the World Cup. We always have pressure when playing, especially when it is against England, a big team.

"But in Liverpool now it is greater because we are in a difficult situation. We have to qualify now for the Champions League and also in the Premier League, we have to be in the top four.

"Even now when I am here with Brazil, I don't feel well for Liverpool - and no-one feels well."

Lucas added: "The results are not the best but if we keep the same mentality it will be okay. It is the time for Liverpool to keep together.

"I think Liverpool are playing well. Maybe we need something more but I hope we turn the bad situation around. Even against Lyon and Birmingham, I thought we played well."