Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45,362

Torres desperate to start

16 Jan 2009 - 11:43:31

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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has declared himself fit and ready to start Monday's Merseyside showdown with Everton at Anfield.

The Spain striker has been restricted to two substitute appearances on his latest comeback from a hamstring injury.

He came off the bench against Preston North End in the FA Cup third round and also during last weekend's goalless Premier League stalemate with Stoke City.

But after spending five weeks on the sidelines with his latest injury, last season's 33-goal top-scorer believes he can play the full 90 minutes against the Toffees.

Torres scored both goals as the Reds won the first derby of the season 2-0 at Goodison Park in September.

"I have worked for a long time with the physios, Paco the fitness coach and everyone at the club, and I think I can now play more than 45 minutes and start in the first 11," he told the club's official website.

"It depends on (manager) Rafa (Benitez) whether I can start in the derby. It's a massive game and I want to play."

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is confident the Reds can cope with the pressure of being involved in a title race.

The Spanish midfielder has also declared himself ready to return from a foot injury in time to face the Toffees on Monday night.

"There is pressure on us and you can expect that because we've not won the title for so many years," he conceded.

"Whenever we don't win a game, it's easy for people to say it's because we are feeling the pressure.

"But the truth is you are facing good teams every week in the Premier League and you can't win every game.

"We don't think about what other people are saying about us and we are just staying calm. It's a fact that we don't have the experience of other teams, but we are learning from what is happening this season.

"We know we can't afford to drop points, especially at home. But Chelsea are going to drop points, Manchester United are going to drop points, all the teams are going to drop points.

"It's important for us not to lose focus, keep as calm as possible and only think about the next game."