Torres hopes to keep dream alive

Fernando Torres is determined to be fit when Liverpool enter the Barclays Premier League's last-chance saloon this weekend.

After making a goal-scoring comeback from an ankle injury to drive Liverpool into the Champions League quarter-finals, the Spain international knows his presence at Old Trafford on Saturday for the showdown with league leaders Manchester United is absolutely vital.

Torres, star of the 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid, admits he will need extensive treatment on his troublesome ankle to be fit to face United, but he said: "I feel good. My ankle felt a little painful in the second half against Real, but that doesn't matter for a match like this. We will work hard on the injury and train hard, and I think I will be 100% for Saturday."

If Liverpool can win there, they will cut United's lead at the top to four points, albeit with the champions still having a game in hand to play at Portsmouth.

A defeat for Liverpool will leave United 10 points clear with that game still to play - and that will end any fading hopes the Anfield men have of snatching the title.

Torres added: "It is a massive game that I hope to win, because that will give us more chances in the league. We know it's very important to win there, if not they will be many points ahead."

Liverpool's European heroes are now full of confidence for the Old Trafford trip.

Forward Dirk Kuyt said: "It was a great result and performance in the Champions League, and that will only help us going into our next game on Saturday.

"It gives us confidence and we are really looking forward to the weekend now. Manchester United are playing very well, they have had some great results. But we will see what we can do on Saturday."