ROY HODGSON leapt to the defence of misfiring Fernando Torres after another evening of frustration for the Liverpool striker.

Torres once again fired a blank as Hodgson’s side were held to a goalless draw at FC Utrecht in their Europa League group encounter last night.

In a forgettable game, the Spaniard was given scant service and snatched at the few opportunities that came his way.

Torres has netted just once in eight appearances this season and continues to look way short of his devastating best. But Hodgson believes the forward showed enough signs he is heading in the right direction as he seeks a return to form.

“Fernando worked hard, ran around well but is still seeking that elusive goal,” said the Liverpool manager.

“He had two chances where he might have scored but I think he will feel its a good 90 minutes workout for him and another step in the right direction.

“Was the game a positive for Torres? I don’t know. You’d have to ask him. I don’t think he was isolated, I thought him and Dirk were quite close together. I thought there were some good combinations between him and the wide players.