Torres will be aiming to score in his ninth successive home league match for the club when the Reds face Middlesbrough in the Barclays Premier League side at Anfield.

If the Spain international is able to find the net against Gareth Southgate's side he will break a record set by Roger Hunt back in the 1961/62 season.

Gerrard meanwhile was criticised by England boss Fabio Capello - who used the midfielder in a controversial left-sided role in the disappointing draw with the Czech Republic - for not being fit enough, but Benitez expects him to return to his best in the near future.

Benitez said: "We hope Fernando can create his piece of club history, and then maybe more in the future.

"Steven has had two injuries, he was 10-15 days without training, and then it happened again. That is why he did not start the match two weeks ago against Standard Liege.

"Clearly in a couple of weeks he will be back to his best. He has needed time to get fit after his injuries and it has been important to protect him.

"Steven has great game intelligence, and he can play anywhere. Gerrard played with intelligence and England drew, that is all I would want to say about it.

"We know what is the best position for Gerrard, but he is capable of playing in other positions.

"We know where he can play really well and we know where he likes to play. We will concentrate on using him to his strengths."

Benitez now hopes a summer of discontent amongst Liverpool's hierarchy can be consigned to the background.

He has admitted there were 'clear the air' talks with chief executive Rick Parry this week after acrimony over the proposed transfer of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

"We talked about the players that we have, how to progress, and we both know it is important for the club that we work together," Benitez explained.

"We are working really hard, we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we can do something positive in the next few days.

"The talks were positive, we cannot discuss names but we are now both working to improve our squad.

"There was no friction, but some personal problems. Now things are more clear and that is positive. It was a private conversation."

Benitez also admitted there had been no further developments on a deal for Barry with the transfer window set to close shortly.

He continued: "I have had no word about Arsenal wanting Gareth Barry, and that is all I want to say on the subject. Other than that we are working towards improving our squad.

"Likewise there has been nothing more on Xabi Alonso. At the beginning of the summer we were looking at ways of raising money, but now we are happy with Xabi, he is a very good player.

"The offer we had was not good enough, so why would we want to sell him?"

Benitez also revealed the club rejected a £2.5million bid from Stoke for Sami Hyypia, who will miss the Middlesbrough game with a hamstring injury.

"We have had an approach from Stoke about Sami - but we want to keep him," Benitez added.

"When we talked about a new contract in the summer, it was clear that Sami wanted to stay at the club.

"He is a fantastic professional, a very nice person and a great player. He is not a player we want to sell."

Liverpool will have Dutch winger Ryan Babel back in the squad after his return from the Olympics.