Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Don't Rush Robbie, Says Liverpool Legend


Ian Rush has once more voiced his support for Liverpool new-boy Robbie Keane, claiming that the Irishman has proved his importance despite his lack of goals.

Much was expected of Keane following his £20million summer move from Tottenham Hotspur. He scored 107 goals in 254 games during his six-year spell at White Hart Lane, and it was presumed he would instantly transfer that form to Merseyside.

That hasn't been the case, however. The 28-year-old is yet to get off the mark for the Reds and his partnership with Fernando Torres has only borne glimpses of its immense potential.

But Rush has called for anxious Kopites to be patient, pointing to Keane's history of droughts and streaks.

“I really rate him, he’s a great lad and he will score goals,” Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer told News of the World.

“He’s more probably trying too hard to get his first goal. But I think when he went to Tottenham it was about eight or nine games before he scored and then he scored something like 11 in 13 games.”

One claim few would dispute is that Keane has been working his socks off in search of that first Liverpool goal, often sacrificing his own attacking game for the sake of the team.

And Rush believes such endeavor will hold him in good stead with the Anfield faithful, just as it did for England striker Peter Crouch during his first season at the club.

The Welshman continued: “Peter Crouch, I think it was 17 games before he scored and they were patient with him because they knew what he was doing, he was helping the team, and I think the supporters like that.

“I think it’s the same with Robbie Keane – they realize the amount of work he’s putting in so I think they’re happy with him.”

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