"Forget about Fernando! Liverpool can reach Europa League final without Torres" Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher has called on his Liverpool team-mates to forget about crocked striker Fernando Torres if they want to avoid Europa League heartache.

The Reds trail the two-legged semi-final 1-0, after old adversary Diego Forlan struck in the ninth minute to give Atletico Madrid a slender advantage ahead of next week's return clash at Anfield.

Liverpool will again be without star striker Torres for the second leg, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month. But Carragher insists Liverpool can turn the tie around without their talismanic striker.

'You can't rely on one player and Fernando isn't here now,' the 32-year-old defender said. 'To a certain extent, we have to forget about him. He'll be preparing for next season now and we have got to be positive we can do it without him.'

Liverpool will take strength from the fact that they have come from behind in their two previous Europa League ties. And Carragher has called on the Anfield faithful to make it another European night to remember when the two sides meet again on Thursday.

'It's going to be a tough at Anfield now and the way they play on the counterattack, the demands will suit them,' Carragher added. 'If they score, that will leave us needing three. 'We know what they will be trying to do. It is up to us to stop them doing that. Hopefully the atmosphere will play a big part and it will be enough.'