Hodgson praise for legend Carragher

Roy Hodgson has paid tribute to the loyalty of Jamie Carragher - as the Liverpool manager predicts Martin Kelly will have a bright future.

Carragher has clocked up 647 games in a Red shirt over his near 14 year Anfield career and Hodgson believes such dedication to the cause remains vital to the club.

The former England international's ability to play in a variety of positions with minimal fuss has also drawn praise from Hodgson who is preparing his troops for tonight's match at Wigan Athletic (kick-off 7.45pm).

"Carragher is an excellent player and people like him and Steven Gerrard epitomise Liverpool Football Club," said Hodgson.

"These days there is so much talk about do players want to stay or want to go, and with those two there's never any question. They are Liverpool through and through.

"It's very important we have people like that at this club and Carragher epitomises it with his fighting spirit.

"He has played left-back, right-back and centre-half for me this season and he doesn't moan about it.

"He gets on with job and I have no fears ever about playing him at full-back or centre-back because he plays equally as well in both positions."

Meanwhile, Hodgson has offered encouragement to young defender Martin Kelly saying with the correct work ethic the Academy product can follow in Carragher's footsteps.

Kelly put in an assured display during Sunday's 2-0 win over Premier League champions Chelsea leaving his manager with a selection dilemma for this evening's clash at the DW Stadium.

"He has done okay also in the games he has played in the Europa League and we think he is a player with a future.

"We believe he has got a lot of work to do to become as good as player as some of our  other regulars in the back four, but he's certainly got a lot of good qualities.

"I think it was very good for him to be thrown in so late in the day and to stand up and be counted when it mattered most.

"Martin has given me a nice selection headache now and I don't think anybody would be too surprised if I didn't change the team from Sunday for the Wigan game.

"We'll see whether Glen Johnson is fully fit.

"If he is then Glen becomes a serious contender to come back into the team. Glen has had groin pain rather than serious groin problems. He trained on Tuesday morning but stiffened up again afterwards.

"I don't think he's ready to play 90 minutes at the moment but I'm hoping he will be fit enough at least to start the game on the bench and perhaps come on if we need him."

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