Benitez: ready for the derby

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has said that he remains fully focused on the Liverpool derby against Everton this afternoon; despite wranglings in the board room between the clubs two American owners Hicks and Gillett Jr.

“I am really focused on the derby - that is all that I am concerned about,” said the Spaniard. "But if we win everything will be happier, particularly if it is against Everton.

"Whatever comments are made there is nothing I can do but concentrate on the game and prepare properly. I will just be thinking about Everton. I put it out of my mind by working on the games, and I do not talk too much with anyone.

"All I want is to have 11 players fit for the game."

Torres will score 30 goals

Rafa Benitez then backed Fernando Torres to score 30 goals this season: "Torres is a player with a lot of quality and confidence and it's always important to have your top scorer playing. He is always a threat to any defence. He is playing well and scoring goals and if the team can help him then I think he will score at least 30 goals this season."