Rush has faith in Hamann and Alonso

With Gerrard likely to be out until the new year Liverpool will turn to the experience of Hamann along with new boy Alonso to lift their team-mates and keep the Reds on track. It is a task Rush believes both are capable of doing.

"Losing Steven Gerrard for up to two months is a massive blow," says Rush. "He has started the season in the same superb form he showed last term. But if there was a positive to take from last night's game it was the partnership of Xabi Alonso and Didi Hamann.
 
"Alonso is a quality player. I'm sure he can take over Stevie's role while the skipper is recovering from injury, while Didi is vastly experienced at playing the midfield holding role. With him sitting back protecting the defence, Xabi will be able to push forward and get some shots on goal."