Players must show the same fighting spirit now

You'd hardly have known there was a derby match coming up after everything going on this week, writes Tommy Smith.

But now the players can give the fans another terrific boost by getting a result at Goodison tomorrow.

Everton versus Liverpool is still the game for me - not Manchester United. We share the city and the banter and all that comes with it. So the derby is different and puts so much more at stake in a way.

Fernando Torres should be back and it's clear to see how much we need him fit and firing. But too many other players have failed to shine and need to. We just can't rely on him.

If they've let the atmosphere around the club get to them they can forget it now. It really has gone.

Every man in a red shirt should want to show the same willingness to fight for the club in the way the fans and the English directors have done this weekend.

I hope the whole battle this past week has galvanised them all and reminded one or two how much Liverpool Football Club means.

They already owe the supporters a peformance after the defeat to Blakcpool but as ever against Everton, it is never easy.

The players have to fight and run and battle for every ball tomorrow.

If they do that and can get a win, the pride really wil begin to return to the club on the field as well as off it.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.