A number of Liverpool players were on international duty on Friday night, including Fernando Torres who showed further signs of rediscovered his scoring form after netting twice for Spain in their 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz.

Torres had scored only once in the previous 12 months for Spain, and last Sunday netted his first Liverpool goal since April in the 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

His double strike took him to 26 goals for his country and level in fifth place with legendary striker Emilio Butragueno in the all-time Spain goalscoring list.

And Torres said: “I feel better every day after the injury, with more rhythm and the goals give me a lot of confidence.

“It’s always nice to be on these lists and it makes me proud to be here and to continue scoring, although the most important thing is the three points and that we’ve played.”

Meanwhile, Dirk Kuyt has admitted to holding talks last month with Inter Milan over a possible move to be reunited with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

The 30-year-old said: “I cannot deny there were negotiations with Inter. It was pleasing to be courted by such a prestigious club, led by the coach who brought me to England and with whom I still have a splendid rapport.

“However, Liverpool declared I was not for sale and I am in any case happy to have stayed in the Premier League.”