LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson has pin-pointed the key to success this season – and it simply involves keeping his key players fit.

Pivotal among them will be striker Fernando Torres, who in three seasons at Anfield has yet to get through an entire campaign injury-free.

Last season was the Spain international’s worst to date on Merseyside as he struggled with a groin problem before Christmas and then, afterwards, underwent two knee operations in four months, the second of which prematurely ended his domestic involvement.

Other players missed sections of last season with captain Steven Gerrard, defenders Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio and the now-departed Yossi Benayoun affected.

It is something Hodgson knows he has little control over but he hopes, with the medical staff having had an overhaul during the summer with a new head of sports science in Dr Peter Brukner, that overall fitness will generally improve and contribute to more success on the pitch.

“It’s to do with the quality of the sports science and medical department,” said the 62-year-old.

“Ours is very, very good, so I am sure that will be an enormous benefit.