Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admits the players need to "step up to the plate" in the absence of top scorer Fernando Torres.

After Monday's disappointing stalemate with West Ham, Carragher said: "We all need to step up to the plate and do our bit while Fernando is out.

"Sami Hyypia had probably the best chance against West Ham so that shows it's not just down to the strikers.

"It is important the responsibility is spread round. Just as you defend as a team, you have to attack as one, and we have shown before that we have plenty of players who can get on the scoresheet.

"You are going to miss Fernando. Any team would because he is one of the best strikers in the world. We are going through a bad spell but it is more important than ever to keep showing character and make sure we pull through together.

"The fans know we're not at our best at the moment but they will realise more than anyone that we have just gone clear at the top.

"We have to start turning those draws into wins but we love playing at Anfield and know there will be more great nights there before the season is out."