Liverpool legend Ian Rush has urged current skipper Steven Gerrard to continue his good recent form and guide the club to a Europa League triumph.

Gerrard got back to his scoring ways with a brace against Burnley on the weekend and Rush hopes he can re-produce that performance when the Reds host Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday.

"It was great to see Steven Gerrard back on the scoresheet and with a smile on his face at Burnley," said Rush.

"His second goal was a bit special and he looked like the player we all know. If Liverpool are going to end a difficult season on a high then we need Gerrard in that kind of form.

"With Torres out injured, Gerrard is crucial to our hopes of getting past Atletico Madrid.

"The first leg was disappointing but I'm confident we can overturn that 1-0 deficit and book a trip to Hamburg on May 12.

"Of course it's not the trophy we all hoped for at the start of the season, but it would still be a big achievement.

"Supporters love going to finals and it would be nice to win the first Europa League final since the competition was revamped.

"Atletico are a decent side and have some dangerous attacking players, but we've got to approach the game in the same way as the quarter-final against Benfica.

"We need to play with a high tempo, move the ball quickly and get at them from the start. Atletico can't be allowed time on the ball."