HODGSON: Reds stars agree with his appointment

ROY HODGSON'S appointment as Liverpool boss will get the thumbs-up from the Kop's stars.

Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have their minds on the World Cup, but will back the arrival of the current Fulham manager.

Liverpool players not at the tournament return to pre-season training this Friday, by which time Hodgson's appointment should be formally announced.

But he will still face crunch talks with Torres and skipper Gerrard after the World Cup.

Both will want to know his transfer plans and how he intends to ensure that Liverpool become a major force again.

They have made it clear they will consider all their options when they return from South Africa next month.

The misery of the last 12 months, the failures of the last regime and the uncertainty at ownership level have made their futures uncertain.

But Hodgson's appointment will not add to their doubts - club sources believe he is as likely as anyone to retain the services of Gerrard and Torres.

The Merseysiders also want to restore some of the club's old-fashioned, dignified values after a turbulent few seasons.

And it is believed that will only happen when owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett sell up.