ROY HODGSON has told his players they must take responsibility for leading Liverpool’s revival and not look to blame the club’s board at the first sign of any problems.

But the new manager is confident the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard can meet such a challenge as he prepares for his home bow this evening.

Hodgson will take charge of his first game at Anfield when Liverpool look to defend a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Europa League third qualifying round return against Macedonian minnows FK Rabotnicki.

The Anfield outfit were buoyed earlier this week when Torres followed skipper Gerrard in ending speculation over his future by reaffirming his commitment to the club.

The Spaniard – who will be absent tonight as he continues his rehabilitation from an adductor injury – had initially raised doubts back in March when admitting the squad required “four or five” big-name signings to be competitive, and was one of several players whose disgruntlement at an underwhelming campaign was at times obvious from their on-field demeanour.

Torres, though, was much more upbeat on Tuesday when declaring his intention to stay while anticipating the season ahead and working under Hodgson.