Torres targets perfect season finale

FERNANDO TORRES today warned Liverpool's Champions League rivals he is fired up for the challenge of helping inspire a "perfect" end to the season.

The Reds gave supporters cause for hope at Anfield yesterday that they can still finish in the top four, as two goals from Torres inspired a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland.

It moved Liverpool into fifth-place for today at least - Manchester City play Wigan tonight - and suggested they are coming into form in the nick of time.

To qualify for the Champions League again, though, Torres believes Liverpool might need to win their six remaining games to pip City and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, he says there is a determination in the dressing room to right previous wrongs and Torres has promised Liverpool are ready to engage overdrive.

"We know we haven't had a good season," said Torres. "We are now in the final part of the season and we still have some chances to change it.

"We have got 18 points to play for and all we can do is try to get them and wait to see what the results of the other teams are. It is not easy but we have to have confidence.

"We have to win every game."

Fitness problems have tormented Torres during this campaign but his double blast against Sunderland took his tally to 20 from 26 starts.

It is a phenomenal ratio but, significantly, Torres feels there will be even more to come as he has now recaptured his match sharpness.

"When you have injuries it is frustrating because every players wants to be able to play in every game," said Torres, who left the field to a standing ovation on 78 minutes.

"Playing in less than 30 games is not very many for a Liverpool player but I am playing now and scoring goals. I just want to help the team.

"The main thing is that I am close to my best now. I feel strong, I have stamina.

"If I can keep scoring goals until the end of the season we can do good things for Liverpool.

Torres, certainly, is capable of doing "good things" and his opening goal was arguably the best that has been scored at Anfield during this season.

But his second - which sandwiched a fine strike from Glen Johnson - was also impressive and it capped an outstanding performance for both player and team.

"It was an amazing goal and an amazing way to start the game," said Torres.

"We knew we had to start well because Sunderland are a very dangerous team on the counterattack.

"The second goal was nice because the defender was coming across and (Craig) Gordon was too high.

"I had no chance to score and (to wait) was the only way.

"My team-mates are providing the chances. The pass from Glen for my second goal was amazing. I am just doing my job."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.