Harry Redknapp has hailed Jamie Carragher as one of Liverpool's all-time greats whose presence at QPR next season would guarantee an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League.
Carragher will make his final appearance for the Reds in Sunday's clash with Rangers at Anfield, bringing down the curtain on a 16-year career topped by his 2005 Champions League winners' medal.
Redknapp, who will remain in charge at Loftus Road next season despite his club's relegation to the npower Championship, has the deepest respect for the 35-year-old defender. "Jamie Carragher has been one of the great pros. He's a top, top professional and a great guy. He has a great knowledge of the game and is a real leader," he said.
"Everybody would love a Jamie Carragher in their team. If I had him in my team next season we'd get promoted. That's how highly I rate him.
"He's the type of player who will drag the team along for you. There aren't many of them around.
"Liverpool are very lucky to have had him and Steven Gerrard at the club. They've been brilliant.
"Liverpool's his team and I imagine he's never even thought about leaving the club. It will be a full house for him at Anfield tomorrow.
"He's been massive to Liverpool, one of their most important players. He's up there with all their great players over the years - Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes and Phil Thompson."
Redknapp expects to perform major surgery on his squad during the summer, but insists strikers Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson will be staying.
"Bobby and Andy have contracts, where are they going to go? I expect them to be here. They're two good players and I'd like to keep them," he added. "They have contracts so I don't see any reason why they won't be here."
Source: PA
