Ian Rush - Addicks ought to be quickly dealt with

Liverpool Echo, 1 Feb 2005

By Ian Rush

CHARLTON'S is a team which can blow hot and cold.

But then again, the same can be said about Liverpool - which is why they are locked together on the same points in the Premiership.

So it is absolutely imperative Liverpool are not caught cold in the first 20 minutes of tonight's match, like they were at St Mary's a fortnight ago.

This evening's match is of huge importance to both clubs, but while Charlton were involved in a nervy FA Cup victory last Saturday, Liverpool enjoyed the luxury of a weekend off.

That can be a double-edged sword. It can allow players carrying niggles and knocks to rest up and recover properly, but unless you are properly focused it can also see some mentally switch off.

It is very rare for a Liverpool team to enjoy a weekend off at this stage of the season - I certainly cannot remember many from my playing days - but the Reds need to turn that into a positive by flying out of the blocks tonight.

It will be a tough match. Alan Curbishley has done an incredible job on the resources he has been given at The Valley. I do not think he would disagree that his side is probably over-achieving at present.

But they will really have the bit between their teeth tonight.

Franny Jeffers has had his moments against Liverpool in the past, while Danny Murphy will no doubt get a great reception from the travelling fans and will want to prove a point to Rafa Benitez.

He did a great job for Liverpool while he was there. He is a good passer and Liverpudlians know all about his dead-ball expertise, but if he was not going to figure week in, week out, the best thing for all parties concerned was to move on.

He has done that - and after a slow start is now getting close to his best again.

I am sure Danny will get a good reception tonight, but hopefully that's as far as the charity will extend.

Every match now is a massive one - and it would act as a huge springboard if the Reds could secure a vital victory at The Valley.

Wins can end rumours

THE Steven Gerrard rumours have surfaced once again - and while Anfield officials have moved quickly to rubbish this latest batch, the best way to spike them is to start winning games again.

If Liverpool are winning regularly, I am sure Stevie would be happy to stay.

If not, it gives the tabloids plenty of fuel for speculation.

Chelsea clearly admire Steven Gerrard as a player - who doesn't? - but it would certainly give Stevie food for thought if Rafa Benitez's side went to Cardiff on February 27 and beat Chelsea!

Hopefully Liverpool can embark on a decent run of victories from here on in and we won't hear any more Steven Gerrard speculation.