Gerrard salutes Carra class

Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher ahead of a record-breaking day for the defender.

Despite the 33-year-old having some way to go to match Kop legend Ian Callaghan's sensational 857 appearances, the Liverpool vice-captain has made his mark at Anfield down the years thanks to his own brand of robust defending.

Team-mate Gerrard believes Monday's milestone is just reward for a player he considers to be a role model for the younger generation.

"Carra is unbelievable, and I am one of his biggest fans. I have seen his attitude for more than a decade and I don't believe he gets enough credit for it," Gerrard told the Daily Mirror.

"What some people don't appreciate with Carra is he puts his body on the line. Week in week out, he will push through the pain barrier for himself and the club.

"He's breaking records right at the highest level of the game because of his attitude. He's an absolute credit to himself.

"Some of the youngsters at our club will get the opportunity to progress, but they will only achieve that if they listen to the people that count, experienced players like Jamie Carragher."

With Carragher and Gerrard currently carrying the torch at Anfield, there are signs that a new generation is beginning to find its feet at the famous club.

Under Kenny Dalglish, the likes of Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly, John Flanagan and Jack Robinson are showing promising signs, and according to their manager, the new breed can learn a thing or two from Carragher.

He said: "Carra has been a legend for this club, a fantastic servant who has been pleased to be associated with Liverpool and we're pleased to be associated with him.

"It wouldn't be bad for the youngsters to model themselves on him. There are a lot of things a local lad coming through has to endure, and he has done it perfectly."