Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Fernando Torres has the quality to turn them into genuine title contenders.

After victory over Fulham, Gerrard insisted: "These are the wins that get you into the thick of the title race.

"People make a lot of fuss when top teams go head-to-head but grinding out results like this has had a big say in many a title success.

"You have to get into the habit of taking the points when you're not playing to your true level and I hope this was an indication we can do that now."

Torres came off the bench to break the deadlock and Gerrard also said: "That's the kind of player he is and why we signed him, to change games and win them. A lot of teams are going to come here and make it difficult for us by being really organised and when you get to 75 minutes or so without a goal you do start to worry.

"You fear it might be a stalemate but then you hear the ovation Nando gets just for taking his tracksuit top off and it gives everyone a lift.

"He is a big star for us but he also works hard for the team. He was the difference today and once he gets his sharpness and fitness back I'm sure he will be in the starting line-up and banging a load of goals in."