JOHN ARNE RIISE and Pepe Reina want a Brums rush today for very different reasons.

Full-back Riise has begged boss Rafa Benitez to plunge him straight back into action after Tuesdays heartbreaking own-goal gifted Chelsea a Champions League draw at Anfield.

And Liverpool keeper Reina is praying Rafa gives him the chance to keep up his ever-present Premier League record this term.

Benitez has decided the best way for Norwegian Riise, 27, to bury the bad memories is to throw him in from the start at relegation-battling Birmingham this afternoon.

Rafa said: Its best he comes straight back. If you want to change things you need to be on the pitch.

You cannot change anything by talking and he is desperate to play. The main thing with Riise is that he scores at Chelsea in the right goal!

Fabio Aurelios torn stomach muscle means Riise could well start in Wednesdays semi-final second leg at the Bridge.

One man sure to start at Chelsea is Reina. And that has left the Spaniard fearing he could be rested today in favour of back-up Charles Itandje.

Reina, 25, is the only Anfield star to play every minute of every Premier League game this term.

He said: I know the boss will make changes at Birmingham but I can rest in the summer.

Chelsea cannot afford to field less than a full-strength side today against Manchester United. Rafa added: I hope playing United has an effect on them.