KENNY DALGLISH has leapt to the defence of Fernando Torres – as Roy Hodgson prepared to take the Liverpool striker out of the firing line this week.

Torres came in for strong criticism following a disappointing performance during the dismal goalless draw at Birmingham City at the weekend.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp even went as far as to describe the Spaniard’s display as “diabolical”.

Hodgson countered by defending the striker and insisting the player was gradually improving his fitness following knee and adductor injuries earlier in the year.

And Anfield legend Dalglish believes Torres simply had a “bad day” and will be eager to prove his doubters wrong when Liverpool visit Manchester United on Sunday.

“I don’t think Fernando would think it was one of his better games but certainly he came as close as anybody in that Liverpool team to score a goal,” he said.

“He’s been through a lot; he had a lot of injuries last year and even in the World Cup final he was injured. He’s come back this year and I think he’s only played two or three games but he scored the winner against West Brom.

“He might have had a bad day but he’s not a bad player. There’s no one anywhere who wouldn’t have him in the side.

“It might have been a bad day at the office for Fernando but he’s a really good guy, a real quality player and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward already to Manchester United on Sunday. He’s not got a bad record there.”