Source: Team_Talk
Carra hailed as Liverpool 'great'
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher is a "one-off" and paid tribute to the stalwart defender ahead of his testimonial.[LNB] The 32-year-old centre-back will mark a 14-year professional career with the Reds with a fundraising game for his 23 Foundation against an Everton XI.[LNB]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 under-estimated.[LNB]"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 the Reds captain, who along with Carragher makes up the team's Scouse heartbeat.[LNB]"He has put so much effort in to his career, has shown so much desire and sweated blood for the club.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Gerrard added in the Liverpool Echo: "Every successful team needs a player like Carra.[LNB]"It doesn't matter what type of game it is, he leaves everything out on the pitch.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"He is a brilliant organiser and leads by example. He deserves to be called a Liverpool great."
