Hodgson waiting on Torres request

(GSM) – Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has made a request to Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque of not calling up striker Fernando Torres for international duty.

Spain, who face Liechtenstein in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday before a friendly in Argentina on Wednesday, are looking to call upon their World Cup winning squad as they target to qualify for the 2012 European Championships.

And the 26-year-old Reds striker, who only recently returned from a groin injury, is struggling to regain his form.

“We are hoping Spain will pass up on his services and give him a chance to continue his recovery and his pre-season,” said Hodgson.

Torres made his first Premier League start on Sunday as he scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over West Brom.

He struggled to get into the game before netting a volley in the 65th minute to earn Liverpool their first league win this season.

“He needs more training and needs more matches and you won’t see the best of him until a little bit later down the line,” added Hodgson.

“It would be very nice if Del Bosque would look kindly on him and us because there is no doubt he would prosper from two weeks of serious training. Training for, and playing, matches is not really what he requires at this moment in time.

“We also want to keep an eye on the knee which caused him so many problems last season.

“We’ve spoken to the Spanish national team and I’m due to speak to someone later Sunday evening but we can only propose for the player himself this is the best option.”