Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez revels in David Ngog’s rise to centre stage

Rafa revels in Ngog's rise to centre stageTHE feelgood factor generated by a hard-fought derby triumph was dented slightly at Melwood yesterday.Rafa Benitez's hopes of welcoming back Fernando Torres for today's clash with Blackburn Rovers were dashed during a morning training session.The Spaniard has made great progress since he was put on a three-week rehabilitation programme aimed at easing his troublesome groin injury.However, it was decided the trip to Ewood Park has come too soon for the Reds' 10-goal top scorer.History dictates a cautious approach is best with Torres and so Benitez will ask the emerging David Ngog to lead the line once again against Sam Allardyce's side.The 20-year-old Frenchman has started the Reds' last four matches in Torres' absence and his manager is delighted with the way the Frenchman has risen to the challenge.His seven starts and five substitute appearances this season have yielded five goals and Benitez's belief in his £1.5million signing is growing.'Ngog is doing really well,' Benitez said.'To play in Torres' position is difficult but he has very good quality and movement.'We were thinking about him as replacing Torres during some games this season, not to play more or less every game.'But it's really good for his experience.'He's working really hard, scoring goals and progressing well.'Ngog is keen to learn and we're really happy with him.'Torres, who hasn't featured since the 1-1 draw in Lyon on November 4, could make his return in next Wednesday's meaningless final Champions League group game against Fiorentina at Anfield.Benitez said: 'Fernando won't be in the squad to face Blackburn but he's been training with us and is much better.'He's very close and is not feeling pain like he did before which is really good. But Saturday is too soon.'The doctor was saying he would be out for three weeks and we're around that time.'We have to keep an eye on him and hopefully we'll be able to give him some minutes against Fiorentina.'It's really good for us that one of the best strikers in the world is close to coming back.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo