TORRES HAT-TRICK INSPIRES REDS TO VICTORY

Fernando Torres struck a superb hat-trick as the Reds edged out Reading in a pulsating Carling Cup tie at the Madejski Stadium.

The Spaniard, who was recalled to the starting line-up after being named on the bench against Birmingham at the weekend, responded in magnificent style with three second-half goals to ensure Liverpool progressed in to round four of the competition.

An open contest began with neither side creating much in the early exchanges until the hosts missed a glorious chance on 20 minutes.

Bobby Convey's cross from the right was met by Leroy Lita who contrived to head straight at debutant Charles Itandje in the Liverpool goal.

It was a miss they were left ruing just three minutes later as Yossi Benayoun struck a magnificent individual goal to give Rafa Benitez's men the advantage.

The Israel international picked up a loose ball and drove at the Reading defence before nutmegging Andre Bikey and flashing a great effort beyond Adam Federici.

It was a lead that lasted all of four minutes as the home side responded courtesy of Bobby Convey.

The American, who was returning to first-team action following a long absence, was on hand to volley past Itandje from the edge of the area after the Reds failed to clear a corner from the right.

Both sides then had chances to take the lead just before half-time but Fernando Torres and Leroy Lita shot narrowly wide.

The second period began with the same fast pace as the first and on 50 minutes the Reds reclaimed their lead when Torres slipped the ball past Federici after he was sent clear by Sebastian Leto.

But once again the home side responded and when Liverpool failed to clear a corner from the left John Halls was on hand to drill the ball into the back of the net after an almighty scramble in the box.

With the scores levels both sides went for the jugular but it was Rafael Benitez's side that got the all-important third goal, with Torres on hand to steer the ball into the top corner after great play by substitute John Arne Riise down the left.

And Torres completed his hat-trick with four minutes remaining when he ran onto Steven Gerrard's pass, rounded the keeper and fired the ball into an empty net.

Torres was really good yesterday. Bikey i thought played really well for Reading even though his team conceded 4. Torres looks a great prospect i think he is going to become a Liverpool legend in a few years. Saying this i wldn't get too excited cause Baptista scored 4 against you boys last season and he was so poor.

Yep he did didn't he, in that team of 'youngsters' that battered our 'first team'. But hey Arsenal fans, lets ignore the fact he's 25..