Carragher begging to be centre of attention

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is set to return to centre-half today claiming he has been played out of position more than any player in the club's history.

Carragher, 32, will be relieved to give his legs a rest by replacing brokenfoot victim Martin Skrtel against Blackburn, having spent the past six weeks bombing up and down the flank as cover for injured England right-back Glen Johnson.

With Johnson due back soon from a knee ligament injury, Carragher has begged boss Rafa Benitez to put his wandering days behind him.

"Full-back is probably a young man's position in the modern game because of the physical demands," said Carragher.

"You can do up to a dozen games, no problem, because we are all fit, but it is probably not something I could do for a full season. If you did it for a sustained period, it might catch up with you once you're over 30."

Carragher played in every defensive position and midfield at the start of his career under Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier.

Although Liverpool have conceded only two goals in eight games and boosted their Champions League prospects since Carragher switched earlier this year, he is now ready to return 'home' to centre-half.

"There probably hasn't been a player in the history of Liverpool who has played out of position more than me," he said.

"I've probably played only half my career in my favourite position.

"I've sacrificed myself for the team, and the club, because I'm from Liverpool and want the team to do well. I've done that from day one, not just since Glen Johnson has been out.

"It's the manager's decision but I would like to go back to centre-half. That's my best position and that's where I want to play.

"I'm sure once Johnson comes back, he will play at right-back. He will be looking to do well for Liverpool and push for the World Cup."

Liverpool have lost only once in nine matches since an embarrassing FA Cup defeat against Reading and Carragher added: "At the time, we really had to pull together because things weren't going well. The 2-0 win against Tottenham was massive after our FA Cup defeat. It has proved a catalyst."

Martin Kelly or Philipp Degen are likely to be at right-back today.

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