ROY HODGSON today hailed Fernando Torres’ decision to commit his future to Liverpool – then hinted he could be back on the goal trail sooner than expected. The Reds’ number nine delivered the news supporters had been hoping for all season yesterday when stating his intentions to play a full part in Hodgson’s revolution. It finally put an end to continued interest from Manchester City and Chelsea and gave Hodgson his third massive boost, coming after the capture of Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard reaffirming his commitment to the cause. Hodgson flew out to Ibiza to spend some time with Torres before jetting on to Bad Ragaz for Liverpool’s pre-season training camp and the decision to do that clearly had an impact on the World Cup winner. But Liverpool’s manager was keen to play down his role in winning over Torres and stressed the club’s hierarchy held confidence all summer that the 26-year-old would extend his Anfield career into a fourth season. “I have got to say that ever since I took the job and in my discussions with (Managing Director) Christian Purslow, he was always confident Fernando would stay,” Hodgson revealed. “He told me there was nothing to worry about the speculation because he (Torres) would be a Liverpool player this season. “It’s nice that the speculation can end once and for all; it’s even better that he has gone out and given an excellent interview where he has made clear his commitment. “He is also very keen to go on now and have a very good season. It might not be out of the question to use him on Sunday week against Arsenal.” The last time Torres was seen on a pitch, he was writhing around in agony after damaging his thigh in Spain’s 1-0 World Cup final victory over Holland. That problem topped a nightmare 12-month period that has seen him undergo two separate operations on his right knee and also suffer with what was diagnosed as a sportsman’s hernia. Torres returned to training on Monday to work with Liverpool’s Sports Science team and though he will play no part in tomorrow night’s Europa League tie with FC Rabotnicki, Hodgson hopes he could be ready for the start of the Premier League. However, Hodgson will not jeopardise Torres’ long-term fitness by rushing him back and insisted Liverpool will manage him carefully throughout the campaign. “We believe that he wasn’t fully fit going into the World Cup and that may have affected his performances by the little injury he picked up,” said Hodgson. “We want to be careful that we make certain that we prepare him not just for August 15 but for the last game of the season.” | 
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