LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson paid tribute to the quality of Fernando Torres after his strike proved enough to beat 10-man West Brom - and then voiced his hope Spain would not pick him for their forthcoming internationals.

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson paid tribute to the quality of Fernando Torres after his strike proved enough to beat 10-man West Brom - and then voiced his hope Spain would not pick him for their forthcoming internationals.

The Spain striker scored his 50th goal at Anfield in all competitions with a brilliant 65th-minute volley from the edge of the penalty area.

It lit up what was a hard-working but uninspiring performance from the hosts, who recorded their first Premier League victory under Hodgson.

“It was hard-fought, especially the first half when we weren’t firing on all cylinders and they were playing well and causing us problems,” said the Liverpool manager.

“I thought we got better as the game went on and we got the points thanks to a world-class strike.

“It was an excellent piece of play, starting with Pepe Reina’s throw and then the build-up down the left with Dirk Kuyt and the ball played in and the volley.

“It was good goal to win the game and I thought we were going to get a second when Steven Gerrard produced a piece of magic to find Fernando at the far post but (Scott) Carson was equal to that.

“He is trying very hard at the moment and he is playing catch-up - we’ve said it many times before - but I think that goal will be great for his confidence.”

Over the international break Spain face Liechtenstein in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday and then a friendly in Argentina on Wednesday.

Hodgson is still optimistic Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque will listen to the opinion of the club’s medical staff and decide not to take on Torres.

“We are hoping Spain will pass up on his services and give him a chance to continue his recovery and his pre-season really,” added the 62-year-old.

“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.

“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 this evening but we can only propose for the player himself this is the best option.”

Hodgson also confirmed he expected Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky to sign “in the next couple of days” with Liverpool’s reserve-team striker Lauri Dalla Valle going the other way as part of the deal.

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo was unhappy not to get something out of the match and felt the sending-off of James Morrison late in the game was harsh.

“We are massively disappointed. We put in a good performance against a very good team and they needed a piece of quality by one of their players,” he said.

“I watched it (the sending-off) again and it looks a bit harsh.

“I don’t think there was any intention to hurt anyone. I think a yellow card would have been appropriate.

“I will look and see if there is a chance to appeal.”

Di Matteo also confirmed the club were in talks with utility player Paul Scharner, a free agent after leaving Wigan last season.

“We are talking to Paul and we will see if there is a possibility to do a deal with him,” he added.