Brendan Rodgers hails Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher made his Liverpool debut in 1997 PA Photos

Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on Liverpool’s “phenomenal” Jamie Carragher and insists he still has a part to play in his first-team plans.

The 34-year-old made just 21 Premier League appearances last season as the England international struggled to hold down a permanent place in the Reds’ first-team.

Rodgers, who replaced Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager in May, praised Carragher’s professional attitude and is confident the veteran defender will still be a key player both on and off the pitch next season.

“He’s a phenomenal character. I’ve watched him from the outside for many years and to play 700 games at a club as prestigious as this is incredible,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s website.

“The pressures that come with wearing the shirt at this club are vast and for him it’s a way of life. He’s devoted his life to being a football player. He’s 34 now, so it doesn’t get any easier when you are older, but certainly I’ve been very impressed over the course of the pre-season.

“I saw him when he came off during the Tottenham game after an hour and he still looked very fresh and that’s a great testament not only to the work he is putting in every day but also to how he leads his life away from the field with his preparation.

“He’s a model professional and if we can develop kids here like Jamie Carragher and go on to have a career like him then certainly the club won’t go too far wrong.

“He’s a phenomenal player, an incredible character and one that I’m happy to have by my side.”