Rush considers 'incredible' TNS offer

Liverpool legend Ian Rush is considering coming out of retirement to play for Welsh minnows TNS against his former club in the Champions League first qualifying round.

TNS managing director Mike Harris is a close friend of the 43-year-old, and is hopeful the man who scored 346 goals for Liverpool can play a part for the Llansantffraid-based outfit.

Rush has confirmed he is still in excellent physical condition and revealed he will speak to Harris about the TNS chief's proposal.

"For me personally, it would be incredible to play against Liverpool," he told the Press Association.

"You have to be realistic about things and playing against the European champions would be a massive ask. But I certainly wouldn't rule it out and will speak to Mike and see what he says.

"I train every day and keep myself very fit by playing regularly. Playing at Anfield again in such a big game would be unbelievable and it would no doubt raise the profile of the game even more.

"I think I'd rather be sitting in the stand next to Mike watching the game and enjoying myself, but the lure of playing against Liverpool would be something special."

Rush, who will represent Liverpool in the Masters tournament in Sheffield tomorrow, also backed Wrexham's Racecourse Ground to host the second leg on July 19 or 20.

A final decision has yet to be made between Wrexham and Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which hosted TNS's UEFA Cup qualifier against Manchester City two years ago.

Rush said: "If the first leg had been at TNS, then I think the Millennium Stadium would have been an ideal venue because of the size of the stadium.

"But there's a chance Liverpool will have the tie sewn up after the first leg at Anfield, so the Racecourse Ground would be ideal for the second leg.

"It's less than an hour's drive from Liverpool and rather than have a half-empty stadium, it's better to play at a packed Racecourse."