Brendan Rodgers knows just how precious a victory in his final Merseyside derby would be for Jamie Carragher.

Sunday will be the 30th time the defender has lined up against the Blues in his distinguished 16-year Anfield career.

And Carragher will be desparate to play his part in sending Kopites home happy on derby day one final time, according to his manager.

"I'm sure he'll want to play his last derby and finish on a high," Rodgers told reporters gathered at Melwood.

"Everton is a massive game for him. He's a boy from the city and he loves it the derby. So does Steven Gerrard, but these are guys that have shown passion in every single game.

"They want to win every game, but obviously this adds that wee bit for them because they're local boys."

Since Carragher made his return to the side against Norwich in January this year, Liverpool have lost just once in the league.

Rodgers continued: "I can't think of enough words to describe him - his performance level has been incredible.

"It was always his dream to go out at the top and he's fulfilling that dream because he's a top operator at this level at the moment.

"But his concentration has only been on the games [this season] and no further than Everton.

"Last week, away at Newcastle, you saw how he marshalled the defence and the way he has played recently, everything about his game has been at the top level.

"It's a shame [he is retiring] because he probably could play on, but he has already made his mind up."

When asked if he had given thought to the task of replacing Carragher at the end of this season, Rodgers responded: "I haven't thought overly about it. The concentration is just on the team at the moment.

"Carragher has been a colossal player for the club and when you lose someone of that magnitude, then it can be difficult. But the job is for us to look at other possibilities and move on.

"We've looked at some players but there's nothing concrete."

Rodgers experienced his first taste of the Merseyside derby in October 2012, when the Reds were unfortunate not to clinch a last-minute winner at Goodison Park.

Luis Suarez's strike was disallowed by the officials and Liverpool were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Rodgers reflected: "These games are always intense and there is always passion, which there should be.

"Sometimes they're not the best football games. You've got two teams that will be fierce and competitive, but will want to play the game in the right way and win the game."