“He is a very, very good professional. He will be thinking just about football. Hopefully, he will score some goals and play as well as he has been playing before and everyone will be talking just about the game.

“Everyone has been supporting him. It is clear this was a special situation but we have to support him because we trust him.”

While Benitez has promised to give some players a breather, Liverpool are expected to field a strong team this evening.

Torres, sidelined since November 26 with a hamstring problem, has been included in the squad and could make an appearance from the substitutes’ bench.

“We will change some players but it will be a very good team on the pitch,” said Benitez. “We will try to keep the momentum we have by winning.

“We know how important the FA Cup is and we will try to progress. Because the quality of the squad is better you can use some different players but still have a good team on the pitch.

“Steven is playing well and he has not played too many games. He has been injured at different moments of the season.

“It is different with someone like Dirk Kuyt, he is playing almost every game.

“Torres is also in the squad so if we need him he can play. He is not 100% because he has not got match fitness but he is ready so he can play.”

Martin Skrtel has also declared himself fit for this evening’s game, Liverpool’s first meeting with Preston in a competitive game since 1962. However, he likely find himself alongside Torres on the bench, although Albert Riera, Robbie Keane and Xabi Alonso are pressing for recalls to the starting line-up with Diego Cavalieri standing by to deputise for Pepe Reina in goal.