Roy Hodgson Defends Torres

Roy Hodgson has defended Fernando Torres' lack-lustre performance against Birmingham yesterday claiming that the Spaniard is on the road to full fitness.

Torres underwent surgery at the end of last season and was not at his best during Spain's World Cup win earlier this summer but Hodgson says that he is not concerned about his star man. 

Speaking to the BBC after the match Hodgson said: "Fernando came into the centre on a few occasions and, when he did that, he caused havoc.

"You've got to give the back four of Birmingham credit. They worked very hard to contain him and pressurise him. But he's looking fitter with every game. I thought he looked dangerous and became stronger as the game went on.

I think he is working hard for the team. He is a constant thorn in the side of defenders.

"We know he lacks match training. He missed matches at the end of last year and during the World Cup but I'm not at all concerned about Fernando Torres. He will get better and better."

It has not been the best start for Liverpool as they try to put their poor seventh place finish in the Premiere League last season behind them scoring just two goals in their opening four games.

On Sunday they could only manage a 0-0 draw with Birmingham to take a point and they are currently on five points and in thirteenth place, quiet a way of the pace of Chelsea who are currently top of the Premiere League on twelve points.

But it was Torres who looked the more likely to score for Liverpool in a match that was dominated by Birmingham. But it was goalkeeper Pepe Reina who kept Liverpool in the match.

Liverpool are back in action later this week in the Europa League against Steaua Bucharest before facing local rivals Manchester United at the weekend.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw