SOME 15 years may have passed since Ian Rush last pulled on a Liverpool shirt but the feeling of anticipation ahead of derby day is as great as ever.

The most prolific goalscorer in the club’s history will be in the directors box to witness Sunday’s homecoming of ‘The King’.

After starting his second stint as Anfield manager with back to back away defeats to Manchester United and Blackpool, Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool are in urgent need of a boost.

Wednesday night’s 2-1 reverse at Bloomfield Road after Fernando Torres had opened the scoring laid bare the desperate lack of belief in the squad the Scotsman has inherited.

However, Rush, who struck up a devastating partnership with Dalglish during his trophy-laden playing days, believes his old manager is well equipped to handle the challenge.

And the 49-year-old knows victory over their rivals from across Stanley Park in the 215th Merseyside derby would be the ideal tonic as Dalglish bids to halt Liverpool’s alarming decline.

“Derby days were special days when I was a player and they are still very special to me now as a supporter,” he said.

“Sunday is a very big game for both teams. Both clubs are on the same number of points and need a win.

“The passion of the fans and the atmosphere is going to be fantastic, especially with it being Kenny’s first game back at Anfield.

“After a disappointing result at Blackpool, Kenny will be doing everything he can to get the players up for it.

“It’s clear confidence is low. You have to get the players to believe they are good players - to believe in their ability. You don’t become a bad player overnight.

“The most important thing is playing as a team because if you play as a bunch of individuals it’s very difficult to get good results. I’m sure that something Kenny will be instilling in them.

“Liverpool have to take things one game at a time but there’s no doubt a derby win would be the ideal way to kick-start things.”