Rush: Make a statement

Ian Rush believes Liverpool can make a statement of intent for a top-four finish if they beat Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.

The Kop idol claims the experience Rafael Benitez's side has gives them an advantage over their rivals and added the win at Aston Villa was a prime example of this.

"After breaking the hearts of one of our Champions League rivals last Tuesday evening, the time is fast approaching for Liverpool to repeat the trick," said Rush.

"You could tell from the way Martin O'Neill reacted to Fernando Torres' late, late strike at Villa Park that his side had suffered an enormous blow - and you have to wonder whether they will be able to recover from it.

"He knew Villa had a terrific chance to effectively put us out of the running for the Champions League - the gap between the side had the potential to be 11 points - but now it is looking like the odds are on Liverpool overhauling them.

"Yes, there is an awful long way to go until the end of the season but sometimes incidents such as that can be impossible to get over and it's entirely possible that Martin might go all guns blazing to win a Cup; after all, they have a real chance in the Carling Cup.

"If that is the case, that leaves Manchester City and Sunday's visitors to Anfield, Tottenham Hotspur, as the teams we are going to be vying with for fourth spot.

"Tottenham have had a great season and are playing some good stuff but do they have the consistency - Wolves, for instance, beat them at White Hart Lane - to stay in the race for the long run?

"Liverpool have been in this kind of battle before and will know what to expect but, equally, Rafa Benitez and his players will know the time has come to really make a statement.

"Beating Villa was a start but they are going to have to up the ante again for Tottenham's visit; should they do that, a Liverpool victory will put them in the driving seat, as it would really send confidence surging.

"This is, without doubt, the most demanding run of fixtures Liverpool will face this season as in the next month Everton, Arsenal and City must all be played to go alongside a tricky Europa League test, as well as potential FA Cup fixtures.

"It is impossible to escape the fact we have been too inconsistent this season but the win at Villa Park, certainly in terms of the Premier League, has given us a real platform to launch an attack in the second half.

"The Reds have shown in flashes they are a talented side - once it clicks together, the situation will be saved."