Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits Fernando Torres has been the key striker they've been missing all these seasons.

"Any club with ambitions to win major trophies needs a world-class striker and we know we've got that in Fernando," says Gerrard. "He's exactly the kind of striker we've been looking for, and after waiting so long to play in this competition, I know how hungry he'll be to go further this year.

"Everything is about winning this one game now.

"The Christmas fixtures are always an important time so if we can come through this still fighting in all competitions, we'll have shown everyone what we're capable of."