Hull manager Phil Brown believes the only way to stop Fernando Torres is to keep him off the Liverpool team sheet.

The in-form Spanish striker is Brown’s main worry as he prepares his side to face the Reds at the KC Stadium today in a match which could have a major say in outcomes at either end of the Barclays Premier League table.

The Tigers have won once in 17 league games to plunge down to 16th, three points above the bottom three, while Liverpool are aiming to overhaul leaders Manchester United in their quest for their first league title since 1990.

Brown reckons he has the game plan to frustrate Rafael Benitez’s men, but asked how he will stifle Torres, who was absent for the 2-2 reverse fixture in December, he admitted: "I don’t know.

"Every manager in the country has to deal with him at some stage and the best way to deal with him at Anfield was him not playing.

"He picked up a knock in the first 15 minutes (against Arsenal on Tuesday) and obviously I was watching him closely because I’m the next manager to face him. He’s a fantastic player.

"You talk about Torres and Stevie Gerrard as the combination but it’s a potent strike force whatever comes out of Liverpool’s dressing room.

"Their forward line can slice open any defence in the world."

Gerrard has been ruled out of today’s game with a groin injury much to the relief of Brown, who, when asked if that was what he had been hoping for, replied: "Absolutely. One million per cent. And hopefully one or two of his compadres won’t play either."

In contrast to Liverpool, Hull have found goals hard to come by of late and they have gone nine games without scoring more than a solitary goal.