FERNANDO TORRES suffered a New Year blow after being told his Euro 2012 dream is in the balance.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has warned Chelsea's £50million flop that he must start scoring if he wants a place in the squad for the summer showpiece.

Torres hit the winner in the Euro 2008 final. But he has scored just five goals in 37 games since joining the Blues in January.

Del Bosque said: "It's a concern. He isn't playing much.

"There are five months to go to the European Championships, in which everything can turn around. But if the situation doesn't change it's going to be difficult for him.

"Fernando deserves respect for his career and he has our confidence. But if he doesn't play ... well, time will tell.

"If he plays and he's fine he will go to the Euros. He has contributed to the success we've had and he has some leeway."

Torres will hope to get a run of games under his belt at the start of 2012 with Didier Drogba off to the African Nations Cup and Nicolas Anelka moving to China.