Ian Rush assures Dalglish is putting Liverpool back on track

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has told the Anfield club's owners that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish remains the right man to restore the team to its' former glories.

Rush and Dalglish formed a deadly strike partnership when Liverpool dominated the English game and ruled Europe in the 1980s and the former Wales striker is convinced his old team-mate is slowly putting the Anfield outfit back on course to relive those trophy-filled days despite a difficult campaign.

Dalglish has come under fire this season following a woeful run of results that shattered the team's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League and speculation about his future intensified following the club's decision to part company with director of football Damien Comolli on Thursday.

However, Dalglish, who has led Liverpool to League Cup success and an FA Cup semi-final this season, received the backing of owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner following that ruthless move to oust Comolli and Rush believes they must contine to back the Scot.

"Winning trophies, that is what it is about. Kenny Dalglish has been there one year and they've won one trophy and possibly two," Rush said.

"The league is disappointing but more frustrating because on their day they know they can beat anyone.

"Liverpool have already won the League Cup but if they were to win a second trophy it would be a successful season.

"They've started on the path of winning trophies now and they need to stay on it.

"Obviously they have to improve in the league next season, but one step at a time.

"If you had asked the Liverpool supporters I know at the start of the season they would have taken winning two trophies.

"They need to build on the trophy they have won and if they can do that by winning the FA Cup that will prepare them perfectly for next year because expectations will be higher."

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists his side's recent dominance over Everton and the Toffees' superior league position will count for nothing when the rivals meet in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

The Reds won their two league encounters this season, but David Moyes' side are ahead of their neighbours in the Premier League table.

Yet Gerrard is certain the prospect of a place in the FA Cup final will ensure form goes out the window in the first Wembley Merseyside derby since the 1989 FA Cup final.

"I think form, psychological edges and previous meetings go out the window," Gerrard said.

"Everton will be fired up for this game and we will be the same and the winner of this semi-final will be the team which turns up with the best form on the day.

"Everyone is aware Everton are in good form and we have been inconsistent in the league.

"This is a cup game so I don't think league form really matters. It is difficult to pick a favourite."