Gerrard pays Carra tribute

Reds skipper hails team-mate

Last updated: 3rd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Gerrard pays Carra tribute

Gerrard: Tribute to Carragher

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Steven Gerrard has hailed team-mate Jamie Carragher as a 'Liverpool great' ahead of his testomonial.

Carragher will mark a 14-year professional career with the Reds with a fundraising game for his 23 Foundation against an Everton XI on Saturday

Gerrard, who hopes to be able to make a brief appearance after England's European qualifier on Friday night, said Carragher's influence on the team during that time should not be underestimated.

"You tend to associate players these days moving around a lot but Carra is, in many ways, a one-off and nobody deserves to celebrate their career more," said Gerrard.

"He has put so much effort in to his career, has shown so much desire and sweated blood for the club.

"It's great I'm going to have chance to celebrate with him. He's been a big influence on me ever since I arrived at Melwood on day one.

"We come from similar backgrounds, so it was easy bouncing ideas off each other and I've got nothing but the utmost respect for him as a player and person."

Gerrard believes the 32-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world during his career at Anfield.

"Every successful team needs a player like Carra," added Gerrard.

"It doesn't matter what type of game it is, he leaves everything out on the pitch.

"He has worked so hard for everything he has achieved. There have been times when he has had his fair share of criticism but we all go through that.

"What is important is how you come through it and Carra has shown consistently in recent years he has been one of the best defenders in the world.

"He is a brilliant organiser and leads by example. He deserves to be called a Liverpool great."