Liverpool have to pair Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane together up-front to win the title since 1990, says Ian Rush.

The former Liverpool striker felt that the duo has not have a proper chance to play together since Keane's £20m move from Tottenham.

Rush told BBC Sport: "They've not had a chance to get a partnership going yet.

"Torres has not been fit but given time together they can take the team to the level that is needed to win the title."

Liverpool's success in the 80's was down to Rush's prolific pairing with Kenny Dalglish at Anfield and Rush went on to become the club's record scorer with 346 goals.

The present side are two points clear of second-placed Manchester United at the top of the Premier League but their recent form, particularly at Anfield, has been unconvincing.

And Rush, who formed a prolific pairing with Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool in the 1980s on his way to becoming the club's record scorer with 346 goals, feels Torres and Keane would prove a timely boost to the Reds' season if they belatedly spark together.

"Without a doubt, the key for me to Liverpool winning the League is if they get their partnership going," he explained.

"Robbie has not had the opportunity to prove he can play with Fernando yet but, from now on, I think if Torres plays, then Keane will too.

"They are a partnership that can win games - and I think Keane can play a major part in Liverpool winning the title.

"You'd think that with Torres not playing, then Keane would be but he hasn't played a lot of games and he's also been taken off in a lot, too.

"A big reason for that is that Robbie is not a lone striker, he likes to play off a frontman - look at how well he and Dimitar Berbatov did last year for Tottenham.

"He does so well in that role - he works really hard for the team. I was happy when Liverpool signed him because, when he is in form, he will get you goals and also make goals as well."