Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has admitted his admiration for Liverpool star Fernando Torres. Yesterday, it was revealed Reds manager Rafa Benitez turned down an amazing £70 million offer from City over the summer for his fellow Spaniard.

And before today's high noon clash, Hughes said: "Hopefully he won't play against us because he's an outstanding striker. The way he has been able to come into the Premier League and make the impact he has says everything.

"I've said time and time again it's more difficult for foreign strikers to have an immediate impact in the Premier League because it's just so new to them.

"The style of the football and the strength of the marking is different from most leagues in Europe and the world.

"So for him to come here and have the immediate impact he has done is of great credit to him and the way he approaches the game."