Rush won't hurry Harry

The Anfield striking coach knows only too well the excitement Kewell has generated with Liverpool's world-wide fanbase, but he insists that the player will not be risked in pre-season friendlies until it is judged that he is fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained against Crewe last Saturday.

Rush said: "It's no great problem that Harry Kewell is out of Liverpool's pre-season trip to the Far East.

"He injured his ankle in Saturday's friendly with Crewe, so the most important thing now is that he is fit for the start of the season. If he is fit for the Amsterdam Tournament, that will be a bonus.

"The Far East tour is as much about promoting the club as getting the players fit and Kewell is better off staying behind and receiving treatment. As far as getting fit for the new season is concerned, it will not set him back at all."