IT was the snapshot that perhaps signalled the beginning of the end for Rafael Benitez.

The number on the electronic scoreboard read ‘9’, and it meant Fernando Torres was being hauled off despite Liverpool, still in the hunt for Champions League qualification, having been pegged back to 1-1 by Birmingham City with 25 minutes still remaining.

There was an audible gasp among the travelling supporters, a confused hush in the commentary box, a momentary pause among the Liverpool players.

Then the camera swiftly panned to Steven Gerrard, whose brief shake of the head summed up the feelings of many.

The Anfield outfit would not go on to win the game and Torres would play only once more in a season that ended in disappointment, disillusionment and a departure for Benitez.

Now Liverpool return to St Andrews tomorrow for the first time since that damaging April draw with the fitness of their Spanish striker still high on the agenda.

However, rather than the seemingly haphazard approach towards the end of the Benitez era that almost certainly cost Torres his best form at the subsequent World Cup in South Africa, there appears to be a more methodical, cautious approach among the Liverpool sports science team.

Torres has started two games for Liverpool this season since recovering from an adductor problem, ending a four-month goal drought with the winner against West Bromwich Albion a fortnight ago.