Riera relishing Torres return

Riera looking forward to deadly striker's return to action

Last updated: 30th December 2008

Riera relishing Torres return

Riera: Looking forward to Torres' return

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Albert Riera is relishing the return of compatriot Fernando Torres to Liverpool's starting line-up.

Torres has been out for seven games with a hamstring injury but is close to a return for the table-toppers.

The Spanish striker's contribution will prove invaluable as the Reds seek to secure their first-ever Premier League crown.

Riera told the official LFC Magazine: "All wingers, in fact all players, would want to play with Fernando because he is such a good player.

So important

"He's so important for our team - scoring 33 goals last season. It's not easy to score that many goals at this level.

"It will be great news for us when he's fit again and I'm sure we'll play a lot of times together and form a good understanding.

"I know Fernando well from playing with him some years ago at U18 level with Spain. We know each other from back then and we can now help each other again here at Liverpool."

Riera added that both himself and his fellow midfielders have had to adapt during Torres' absence.

No excuse

"It's no excuse for us when we don't have Fernando - we have to use our other strikers. We have good attacking players at the club who can come in," he said.

"It is up to us to read their games and adapt to suit each other, whether that be playing balls into their feet, to their head or into space.

"All strikers have different characteristics and movements. You have to read each moment in the game."