Dalglish swears by 'fantastic' Carra

Jamie Carragher’s Liverpool career could hardly have got off to a worse start when his dad told Kenny Dalglish to shut his mouth.

But more than two decades later, Dalglish swears Carragher is one of the best defenders ever to pull on a red shirt.

Dalglish smiles when reminded of the day he fell foul of Philly Carragher as they watched their sons play against each other in a youth game.

Philly, a diehard Evertonian, laid into Dalglish for disputing a controversial spot-kick saying: "Keep your mouth shut, Dalglish. You should know all about dodgy penalties after the amount you get at Anfield."

Fortunately for Liverpool and Carragher junior, Dalglish did not take offence and the Scouser ­blossomed into the Kop idol he is today during the 20 years the Reds boss had been away.

"Aye, I remember that happening," said Dalglish. "When I first came across Carra he was only 11 or 12 and a centre-forward - and a good centre-forward as well. That's probably why he holds the record for the most own goals against us.

"He was about the same age as my son, Paul, and they were training with the kids down here at 11 or 12. Apart from a break of about nine months, Carra's been here ever since.

"He's everything everyone says he is. He's been ­Liverpool's best defender for many years and there's nothing original you can say about a guy who is 33 years of age.

"He's as good a defender as we have had for many, many years. For me, Carra is better than Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - although they can't play now as they are 50-odd years of age. We're fortunate Carra is here and fortunate he is so committed to the club."

Dalglish was full of ­admiration for the way Carragher shackled Fernando Torres at Chelsea on Sunday in his first game back after 10 weeks out following a shoulder operation.

"He was fantastic," he said. "It's great credit to him that he got through the game and great credit to our sports-science people that he got through because it's been a while since he played.

"He has been a fantastic servant to this ­football club and it's great to have him. Whether he's playing or is on the training ground, he's a great asset.

"Everyone knows the respect and admiration I have for Jamie. It's the same for every other Liverpool fan and he is a fantastic influence in and around the place."

Source: Daily Mirror

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.