Roy: Torres has focus (News Update)

Roy Hodgson is confident Fernando Torres will shrug off recent criticism and believes the striker is 100 per cent focused on enjoying a successful season with Liverpool.

The Spain star came under media scrutiny following a low key display in Sunday's goalless draw with Birmingham City but the boss feels the No.9 is ready to bounce back.

"I'm afraid criticism is something he will have to learn to live with," Hodgson told his pre-match press conference.

"We bear strong expectations at this club and everyone is interested in us. We fill newspapers and fill air time. Everything that happens at the club is put under a microscope and that includes player performances.

"Fernando Torres has no problems with that. He's an excellent player and is very much committed and focused on this season. It's very wrong for people to read into his state of mind from watching 90 minutes of football.

"I think you'd have to be some wonder psychologist to do that.

"I can't watch a player and tell you what state of mind he is in."