Rafa reveals late Torres call

// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that he only decided to start Fernando Torres against Manchester United when travelling to Anfield. The Reds' ace striker had only taken part in two light training sessions in the build-up to the crucial match after being sidelined with a groin problem.But with reports of a pain-killing injection, Torres was named in the first XI and Benitez's late decision on his line-up was repaid as the forward scored the first goal in a 2-0 win.Torres was substituted in the latter stages and replaced by second goalscorer David Ngog, but Benitez knew that it was vital to start with his star asset. The Reds chief, who was without injured captain Steven Gerrard, said: "I talked with Fernando on the coach, and that was when I was really convinced that he could play.Difficult decision"In the morning I had decided that he would be involved, but I needed convincing he could start rather than just be a substitute."Playing Fernando was a difficult decision. He was not training, the same as Steven Gerrard."But after talking with him we decided it was better to start the game with him."You could see he was not 100 per cent fit, but sometimes 80% of Fernando can make a difference."We had to be very careful with him, that is why we took him off near the end."You have to take care of him. But we were waiting for that final pass and when it came we knew he would score."

Source: SKY_Sports