Carragher welcomes return of Torres

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher hailed the “special” talents of Fernando Torres, expressing hope the player would come through Spain’s midweek friendly against France unscathed to spearhead the club’s bid for Champions League football next season.

Torres marked his first start since January 13 with the winning goal in the bruising 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Anfield yesterday.