Ian Rush: I'm not worried about my record, just celebrating Salah's goals

The Welsh striker scored a whopping 346 goals during his two spells with Liverpool, which currently keeps him 102 finishes ahead of Mo Salah.

FORWARD THINKING: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah with Ian Rush during a FWA Footballer of the Year dinner  

Mohamed Salah is on a mission to break as many records as possible at Liverpool.

Having finally signed a new contract recently to remain with the Reds for at least another two seasons, the Egyptian King will have plenty more opportunities to further etch his name into the club's illustrious history.

But one record he will struggle to break, by his own admission, is Ian Rush's goals tally.

The Welshman scored a whopping 346 goals during his two spells with Liverpool, which currently keeps him 102 finishes ahead of Salah.

That record is a testament to the incredible career Rush enjoyed and in this exclusive Q&A, we catch up with the goal machine himself to talk about his career highlights, the current team, lessons he learned and whether or not Salah can overtake him as Liverpool's greatest ever goalscorer.

Liverpool's supporters walk past a mural depicting Liverpool's former player Ian Rush as they arrive to attend a Premier League football match Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Mohamed Salah has been breaking records – how does he compare to the great Liverpool forwards of the past?

“Records are there to be broken, and I’m delighted he’s breaking them as it means the team is doing well. The most important thing when breaking records is to make sure the team is winning trophies. He’s already a legend. He’s one of the greatest players to ever play for Liverpool.” 

If you could play alongside one current player, who would it be?

“If I was playing now, I’d love to play with Salah. His pace, movement and goalscoring - I think we’d link up really well. He drags defenders out of position and I’d thrive on the space he creates.”

How does it feel that your record as Liverpool’s top scorer still stands?

“When I see Salah scoring, I’m not worried about my record – I’m celebrating like every Liverpool fan. The team always comes first.”

You had an incredible career with Liverpool and Wales – what moment stands out as your proudest achievement?

“I dreamed as a kid of winning the FA Cup final. It was against Everton. You're losing 1–0 at half-time and you go on to win 3–1. To score two goals in that game was like everything rolled into one. It was incredible for me.” 

You played under some legendary managers – who had the biggest influence on your career?

“Bob Paisley was the one who gave me my debut. He didn’t say much, but when he did, it meant everything. He taught me more with fewer words than anyone ever has.

“Joe Fagan was brilliant at making players feel relaxed. He kept things simple and that’s what made him great. He trusted his players and that helped my confidence grow.

“Kenny understood what it meant to be a Liverpool player. Playing under him was like playing under a teammate who pushed you to be the best.” 

Who was your favourite football partnership you had while playing?

“Kenny Dalglish was the best partner I ever had. He made the game easy for me. I didn’t even have to look — he just knew where I’d be.” 

What’s your take on VAR and how it’s affecting the modern game?

“I understand VAR is there to help get decisions right, but sometimes it’s too slow and kills the emotion of the game. As a striker, you score a goal and you don’t know whether to celebrate or wait.” 

What advice would you give young strikers today?

“Always work hard off the ball - it’s not just about scoring goals. Movement, positioning and creating space for others is just as important. And when you get in front of goal, never be scared to miss.” 

You played in both England and Italy - how did the two cultures compare?

“In England, it was more physical and direct. In Italy, it was all about tactics and discipline. Defenders were clever – they didn’t dive in, they waited and forced you into mistakes.” 

What’s one life lesson football taught you that still applies today?

“Never be scared to miss. You can’t score if you don’t shoot. The great strikers aren’t perfect - they just never stop trying.” 

Any regrets when you look back on your career?

“To be fair, the game has given me everything. I don’t have any regrets. Maybe I might have benefited more from staying longer in Italy to adapt to the football culture there, I went there as a boy and came back as a man.”

Don’t miss the chance to meet this Liverpool Legend on Friday May 2 at Lawlor’s of Naas hotel in Kildare. 

Tickets are available here