Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has hailed the impact of Fernando Torres in this afternoon's victory over Sunderland.

Two second-half goals gave the Blues a 2-1 win, and the manager was full of praise for the substitute striker.

Benitez insisted that the Spaniard is now fresh and will be at his best in the Europa League against Rubin Kazan.

"Fernando Torres made an impact quickly," Benitez said. "I said before Rubin Kazan that he was working hard and training well.

"The first half we didn't start well and conceded a late goal. It was a good reaction by the team in the second half.

"You could see today that Torres is fresh and ready. That is the main thing now we have two options up front. [Demba] Ba did the job against Manchester United and Torres against Rubin Kazan on Thursday."

Chelsea's win moved them up to third in the Premier League.