Roy hopes for Torres boost

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Fernando Torres will start their Europa League clash with FC Utrecht.

Torres has usually been rested for the Europa League this season with Hodgson preferring to have the Spaniard fresh for the Premier League.

However, Torres will be given a run-out against Utrecht despite the fact Liverpool are already safely through to the last 32 and there is nothing riding on the game at Anfield.

Torres has failed to score in his last four games and Hodgson is keen to help the striker recapture his best form and confidence by playing him against the Dutch side.

"This is a good opportunity," said Hodgson. "Having had a chat with Fernando, I think he'll enjoy it. I'm hoping things will go okay and I can move him out before the end of the game.

"He's happy to play and he wants to play so, with David Ngog not being fit, I think it would be foolish of me not to use him.

"He is a lot fitter than he was at the start when we were really just trying to wrap him in cotton wool.

"He had just come back from the World Cup and our medical staff were concerned about him playing three matches in a week. But he is fitter and stronger now.

"Fernando knows how well he's played in the past and when things are not going well for him he is the first to recognise that.

"I am hoping he'll have a good game that will improve his confidence. There's nothing to lose. I've said to Fernando that we believe he's a very fine player.

"He is one of the best front players in Europe and the fact that maybe he has not played at his level over the past couple of months doesn't change that."

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