Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has lavished praise on veteran defender Jamie Carragher as he prepares to lead the side out on Sunday for his 450th Premier League match.
The centre-back, who will be 33 in January, will captain the team against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard. Carragher, who has played for the club since he was at primary school, is racking up the landmarks as he will also make his 651st appearance - going past Phil Neal into fifth on the all-time list.
"Having seen him through the years for Liverpool and even England you see a man who is so whole-hearted, honest, passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic," said Hodgson.
"All of that shines through on the field of play. When I came here I was hoping that would be the person I would meet and it was.
"The reason he has played so many games is because of his attitude and his desire.
"He is a man who wants to play football. Even though he has 650 Liverpool appearances behind him he is still as enthusiastic in training every day and still as desperate to play every week as the guy who would be making his debut.
"From the offset he's tried his best to make certain everyone rallies round to the cause and I'm really pleased to have him.
"We have been lucky in having him and Steven Gerrard, two people who really epitomise Liverpool Football Club and who are the ultimate club men.
"Club loyalty is something which has tended to go out of the window with the transfer market and the money involved in football.
"With Jamie and Steven we see it and as the current manager of the team I can only be very grateful for it."
Source: PA
