'Rome penalty was my pinnacle'

Ian Rush has described the spot-kick he converted in the 1984 European Cup final and the Reds' penalty shoot-out triumph over Roma as the pinnacle of his career.

The Welshman overcame the hostile atmosphere at the Italians' Stadio Olimpico home to find the target from 12 yards and allow Alan Kennedy to secure Liverpool's fourth continental title.

And the former striker, who notched 346 goals during two spells at Anfield, revealed to FourFourTwo that his penalty 28 years ago remains a personal highlight.

"The 1983-84 season was my best," he said of a campaign which also included a league championship and a League Cup trophy for the side and a European golden boot for Rush.

"I scored 49, but I tell people I got 50 because I count this penalty as the hardest one of all. Everyone remembers that match going to penalties.

"Steve Nicol strode up to take the first one without it even being discussed, and he missed. We all thought we'd lost - and that took the pressure off.

"We drew level and it was my kick. Walking up being jeered was the most daunting moment of my career. I had time to think, which I don't like!

"But I'd noticed their 'keeper kept going the same way. I saw him move, so I sidefooted it the other way.

"What a relief. It was the pinnacle of my career."