Source: Liverpool_Echo
Professionals pay their tributes to Liverpool FC's Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher and Danny Murphy after Liverpool's draw with Fulham 300[LNB]A NUMBER of faces familiar to the local football scene will be on show at Anfield today to help Jamie Carragher celebrate his testimonial. Here DOMINIC KING caught with a few who have played a role in his glittering career.[LNB]JAMIE REDKNAPP: Ask anyone who is lucky enough to know Carra and they will all tell you the same thing - you never forget the first time you met him. When he first came in to the squad, he was a cheeky, young lad, who always had something to say.[LNB]I mean that in the nicest way possible, though. When he scored his first goal on his first start, I remember sprinting over to celebrate with him because everyone was so pleased - he had an enthusiasm that used to rub off on everyone.[LNB]He has got such desire and the size of his heart is enormous. They broke the mould when they made him because he has got the most out of his ability and become one of the greatest defenders in Liverpool's history.[LNB] He is a top player, a great lad and if ever I was picking a team to play a football match - whether it be a Champions League game or a knockabout on the park - Carra would always be my first choice. People like him do not come around very often.[LNB]DANNY MURPHY: It's such a pleasure to be involved. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that he reached an unbelievable standard of consistency when he broke into the first team and has maintained it ever since.[LNB]When you used to train with him and he was on your side in a practice match, you would hear him screaming and demanding you give every last bit of effort because he hated losing and wanted everyone to be the same as him.[LNB]I was always amazed by the desire and effort he showed in every session but that is what has made him such a top class professional. For some people, testimonials are a token gesture but Carra richly deserves his.[LNB]We all know he's a larger than life character, someone who can lighten the mood when things are serious but he is also a great person to talk to and confide in. He is always someone I've felt able to turn to for guidance and that will always be the way.[LNB]LES PARRY: My dream would be to manage a team of 11 players who show the dedication and commitment of Jamie Carragher.[LNB]He epitomises the ideal professional and and if I had the luxury of a squad of players with the same attitude, Championship football at Prenton Park would be a certainty.[LNB]I know that attracting players of Jamie's ability is way beyond our scope but if any team in the four divisions could inject their squad with his attitude and application they would punch way above their weight.[LNB]I'm one of Jamie's biggest admirers and would like to congratulate him on reaching the stage of his career when he qualifies for a much deserved testimonial, especially as testimonials become more and more rare.[LNB]If Jamie ever decides that he is fed up playing in front of 50,000 fans and earning decent money, I would be only too willing to welcome him to Prenton Park with open arms.[LNB]He has got my number - so only needs to phone!
