Liverpool legend Ian Rush has insisted that Brendan Rodgers must target a top-four finish in his first season in charge of the club.

Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League at the end of the last campaign, the Reds won the League Cup, thus gaining qualification for the Europa League.

Rush believes that the club's early start in the competition will help them push for a Champions League place.

"With the Europa League qualifying we might be a little bit fitter than some of the teams that are coming back a little bit later," Rush said.

"Hopefully that will work in Liverpool's favour. I'd like to finish in the top four but it will be difficult because the opposition are getting stronger as well. Man City, Man United, Arsenal and Tottenham – they are all getting stronger but we have got to believe that we are too.

"And if we can get the right players in then I'm sure we can [do it]. We've got to be better than eighth but hopefully I'd like to see us in the top four."

Rodgers took over as the Liverpool boss after Kenny Dalglish was fired at the end of last season.