Brendan Rodgers hails Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ Jamie Carragher

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.”