Carra praises Torres

Last updated : 10 February 2009 By Al Campbell
Torres came off the bench on Saturday to score a 91st minute winner against Portsmouth at Fratton Park and earn the praise of Carragher.

"Fernando is massive to our title challenge. It's credit to the players and the staff that we are where we are considering he's been missing for a long time this season," said Saturday's captain.

"To get him back, the way he's been firing against Chelsea with a couple of great goals and then he's done the damage against Portsmouth has gained us an extra four points in two Premier League games.

"If he can keep doing that for the rest of the season then we'll run whoever it is close for the title.

"At the moment Fernando is just coming back to fitness and he played into extra-time on Wednesday and now he'll be going away with Spain so given the injuries he's had this season the manager is being very careful with him.

"He's doing okay with the goals he's scoring but he's not quite 100 per cent. Given that, if he keeps coming on and scoring then we've got something to look forward to in the coming months when he is fully fit."