Liverpool: Ian Rush reveals he was excited with Christian Benteke signing

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has revealed that he was excited after the Reds signed Christian Benteke and believes the striker could be the difference between the sixth and the fourth place finish.

The Belgium international arrived at Anfield from Aston Villa after the Merseyside club met his £32.5m ($51m) release clause. The 24-year-old scored in his second match against AFC Bournemouth as Liverpool sealed a 1-0 win.

Brendan Rodgers also signed Danny Ings earlier this summer. The Northern Irishman has the services of the England international, his compatriot Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi as the recognised first choice strikers in the squad, along with Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini.

The Italian duo are set for summer exits as the former Swansea manager confirmed several players will leave Anfield before the end of the transfer window.

"It's very early doors but I was very excited when we signed him. Benteke could be the difference between sixth and fourth and top four is a realistic target we have to be aiming at," Rush told 888Sport.com.

Sturridge is on the sidelines after he underwent a hip surgery and the Liverpool Echo has claimed that the player will return to training next week. Rush further stressed that the former Chelsea man and Benteke can play each other as the Anfield outfit "are missing the services of the England striker".

"When you have Sturridge coming back from injury and you have the option of Danny Ings - who has done well - I feel there is something there," the former Reds striker said.

"Can he play with Benteke? I think all great players can play with anyone. If you're a good player – as Benteke is and Sturridge is – then you make a way to play with each other. You adapt to whatever is needed."

"Any club would miss a fully fit Daniel Sturridge. At the moment we're keeping clean sheets and only winning by the odd goal. We just have to keep things tight at the back and he will give us that extra firepower," Rush concluded.