New boss Hodgson confident of keeping Gerrard and Torres

A WEEK into his reign, new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is confident of persuading captain Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres they can have successful futures at the club.

The pair have both been linked with moves away from Anfield in the wake of a disappointing season which saw early exits from the Champions League and FA Cups and a seventh-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Hodgson made speaking to Gerrard and vice-captain Jamie Carragher a priority when he took over from Rafael Benitez seven days ago and only Torres’ continued World Cup participation has prevented him meeting the Spain international.