The Reds are set to face Arsenal on Sunday at Anfield in their Premier League opener, with Torres in line for a surprising return to the squad after recovering from a groin strain. Despite Torres' return to fitness coming as a welcome boost for the new boss, cover for the injury-prone Spaniard is short in supply, with David Ngog the only recognised out-and-out striker in reserve. Hodgson has been linked with moves for former Reds forwards Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy over the summer, as well as French hitman Loic Remy, but so far has not been able to strengthen in that area. "If the right player comes along, it would be good if we could bring another striker in," he said in the News of the World. "But it's important if we bring someone in that he really fits the profile I've sketched out. We have a juggling act to perform due to the requirement for English players in the squad." The veteran boss has the chance to become the first English manager since 1992 to win the title after Howard Wilkinson's triumph in the old First Division with Leeds. However, the task is a substantial one following the Merseysiders' shambolic campaign last season, but the ever-pragmatic Hodgson admitted it would be a dream come true if he could achieve it. "I'd be absolutely delighted but I won't see it as a flag-waving situation. I see it as a job of work," he said. "I've been appointed manager of one of England's best teams and I need to do my best to live up to that."
