Ian Rush says Newcastle United striker is his favourite to watch in the Premier League, and describes fellow Welshman Joey Jones as ‘a special person’

Liverpool’s record goalscorer, Ian Rush, has warned his old club that they will begin the new Premier League season with a target on their backs.

The reigning champions are in Hong Kong to prepare for their title defence, which kicks off at home to Bournemouth on August 15. They face AC Milan at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday.

In 15 seasons, across two spells with Liverpool, Rush won five English championships, including three in a row, starting with the 1981-82 season.

“We were told the easiest thing was to win the league, the hardest thing was to retain it,” Rush told the Post.