Hodgson says Torres may not start

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson will not guarantee striker Fernando Torres a starting place in the Europa League against Utrecht but admits his presence in the squad is something of an insurance policy (3e, 7.30pm).

The Spain international has not featured in Europe this season – sitting out the four qualifying matches and one Group K encounter – but travelled to Holland with a virtually-full strength squad.

Only Steven Gerrard, who is being rested, and Daniel Agger, who has had an MRI scan on a groin problem which has not responded to treatment, missed the trip.