Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
REID & RUSH ... BEST OF FRENEMIES
IT’S an unholy Merseyside alliance, but that has not stopped record Liverpool goalscorer Ian Rush inviting Everton legend Peter Reid to today’s Anfield derby.
They were warriors on the pitch during the 80s when both clubs dominated English football, but the best of pals off it.
Although Reid said: “If I’m sitting next to him, I will be kicking him! This will probably be the closest anyone has ever got to him after the carnage he used to cause with his goals.”
Rush hit 25 goals in games between the clubs on either side of Stanley Park – still easily the most by any player in the history of this rivalry.
Reid admits he will watch on more in hope and some trepidation than in the days when the famed Everton midfield of himself, Paul Bracewell, Kevin Sheedy and Trevor Steven went toe to toe with Liverpool, winning two league championships, an FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
“It’s going to be tough for Everton. I’ve watched Liverpool recently, at the Etihad against Manchester City in the Premier League and at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final,” said Reid.
“I watched the Manchester United game on TV and you have to say they are firing on all cylinders, they have threats all over the park.
“Are they solid at the back? No, I
think you can get at them. But, as a watch, they are fantastic and, although I’m Everton through and through, you’ve got to admit that. It’s simple, Everton have got to dig in if they are going to get anything.
“The wide runs that Liverpool make are fantastic. You’ve got to try and stop them – otherwise you are in danger of being taken apart.”
A double whammy for Reid would be a victory or a draw which would enhance Everton’s Premier League survival ambitions and hamper Liverpool’s quadruple dreams.
He added: “For Everton, it’s all about staying up. I watched them beat United at Goodison Park.
“When we scored against United, I was sat next to Graeme Sharp in the directors’ box. I thought I was on the Gwladys Street End.
“Can you imagine if we get a result that helps us stay up and at the same time places a spanner in the works of Liverpool going for the Quadruple?
“I’ve huge respect for our friends across Stanley Park, but I want Everton to win and if that damages Liverpool’s ambitions, even better. Local rivalry is what it’s all about.”