Liverpool legend Alan Kennedy believes Luis Suarez can be an even bigger influence at the club than Kenny Dalglish was.

But the former full-back admits the test of a Suarez-inspired Liverpool's Premier League title credentials will come in their next two matches - away to Manchester City and Chelsea.

Suarez has been sensational since his delayed start to the season, sparking debate about his place in the pantheon of Anfield greats.

Kennedy, who played alongside Dalglish in the all-conquering side of the 'eighties, acknowledges the Scot set the standard for any striker.

But he contends also that the Uruguayan has it in his power to make an even more significant impact by leading Liverpool back to the summit.

Kennedy said: "Luis and Kenny are both amazing talents and very similar in many ways, and although it is very difficult to choose between them, I would still possibly slightly favour Kenny.

"But there is no doubting what Suarez is bringing to Liverpool and his influence on the team could probably be even more important that Kenny's.

"Kenny came into an already fabulous team and helped it win many more trophies. Luis has come into a team that is still developing and hasn't been used to winning trophies.

"If Luis can continue playing and scoring goals the way he has done this season and help win trophies, then his place in Liverpool's history will be assured.

"He has come into this season as if he was determined to make up for missing the first five games. He's got such great belief in himself and his goals have been phenomenal.

"His finishing and the variety of his goals remind me so much of Kenny. So does his intelligence. He's always two or three moves ahead. Both of them show that ability to make something out of nothing.

"It will always be King Kenny for the Kop, but the fans are adoring Luis in just the same way and obviously the title has to be the ultimate goal."

Dalglish was manager of Liverpool the last time they were champions of England, in 1990, and Suarez's impact has fuelled optimism that the long wait to regain the crown may soon be over.

Kennedy, who won five league titles and the European Cup twice with the club, feels trips to Eastlands on Boxing Day and Stamford Bridge next week will gauge Liverpool's potential.

He said: "The title is wide open this season and Liverpool could well be in with a great chance. But I think theses next two matches, against City and Chelsea, will show us whether we really can be up there.

"The 5-0 win at Tottenham was one of the best performances I've seen by a Liverpool team, but this next week is such a big one for Luis and the whole team."

Source: Daily Mirror