Liverpool can still make top four, say Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush

Liverpool: Still in contention for top-four spot

Liverpool goalscoring legends Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler do not believe their former club can be ruled out of top-four contention just yet.

Brendan Rodgers' side's hopes were dealt a significant blow last weekend as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to fierce rivals Manchester United.

That loss leaves Liverpool five points behind the Old Trafford outfit who currently occupy fourth spot but, talking on Goals on Sunday, Rush and Fowler insisted that all is not lost in the battle for Champions League football.

"I still think there's a possibility (of top four)," said Rush. "It was difficult losing to Manchester United with that five-point gap but it was 10 points (in December) and now it's five.

"You've still got to believe - they have some tough games coming up. Arsenal and Chelsea may be difficult but if you're looking to finish top four, then you have to be looking to win all of the other games."

Fowler concurred, stating that although United have found form, their fixtures until the end of the season may allow Liverpool to pip Louis van Gaal's side to the post.

"They've made it more difficult for themselves with the game last week but potentially they still can (finish in the top four)," he said. "If you look at the run of games they've got, there are some tough ones there but a lot of them are winnable.

"Manchester United are playing well at the minute but their run of games is a little bit more difficult, if I'm being honest. So they (Liverpool) definitely still can, but it will be more difficult than it was a week or two weeks ago."

The pair were also asked about when the league title may return to Anfield and which areas of the team are in need of strengthening in order to make that happen.

"The honest answer is that you want them to strengthen everywhere," added Fowler. "If you look at the money Chelsea and Manchester City have, it gets harder and harder to win the league every year.

"No disrespect to those clubs, good luck to them, but they're at the stage where they can sign any player. So, if they sign any players, that makes them a bit stronger so you have to keep on their coat-tails."

Rush, meanwhile, backed the Liverpool manager and his young squad to end the 25-year wait for the title "sooner rather than later".

"They've got a young squad and I think if they look to improve in the summer - I think Brendan is doing a good job - and it has to happen sooner rather than later," the club's record goalscorer said.

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