Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes team-mate Jamie Carragher is a "one-off" and paid tribute to the stalwart defender ahead of his testimonial at Anfield on Saturday.
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.
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.
"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 in the Liverpool Echo.
"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."
Source: PA
