Rush: French stars need time

The teenage pair have already won over the Anfield faithful with their dynamic pre-season displays thus far, but Rush has called for calm as the hype surrounding the pair continues to reach epic proportions.

Rush said: "Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama Pongolle have been superb in pre-season.

"They have not looked overawed playing alongside the likes of Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard. They just need to adjust to the English game.

"There is always a danger that people will expect too much from them, but the pair are keen to learn and training with the first team will make them better players."

"Gerard Houllier obviously understands what Le Tallec and Pongolle need. If we are patient, we will see the best of them."