Kop idol Carra not ready to hang up boots

LIVERPOOL defender Jamie Carragher admits losing his place in the starting line-up this season has given him a new appreciation of his career.

But the 34-year-old is not ready to give up on his playing days just yet as he is keen to add more winners’ medals to the Carling Cup the club lifted under manager Kenny Dalglish last month.

Carragher lost his place due to the excellent partnership of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger in central defence, but injury to the latter has provided an opening for the vice-captain.

Last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal was only his second Premier League start of the year, having previously been restricted largely to cup competitions.

“I can’t lie, it has been difficult at times,” said Carragher.

“But I’ve said it loads of times in interviews – you have to be respectful to the manager and the other players.

“Privately, at times, I’m frustrated but that’s because I’m a footballer – I want to play and I’m passionate.

“I wouldn’t be here in the first place otherwise.

“But I realise this happens to everyone at a certain age. It also reminds me what I’ve done.

“I’ve played for Liverpool’s first-team pretty much every week for 16 years.

“When you do it every week, it slips your mind a little, but when you play the odd game against Oldham or Brighton at Anfield in the cups and you leave the pitch knowing you’ve won well and done all right yourself, it’s a great feeling.

“So it sinks in more when you are not playing.”

Desperate

Carragher may have only a few years left at the top but he is keen to add to the tally of 11 trophies he has won at Anfield – especially after having to wait six years for the latest one.

“There was a time when I thought we weren’t going to get to another final,” he added.

“I want to win more before the end of my career.

“That’s why I’m desperate for the FA Cup and to play in Europe again.

“At the moment we’re definitely in the Europa League and I know people knock it, but I’d love to reach the final of that competition.

“I’ve been to three in Europe so far. To have four in your career would be a fantastic achievement.

“At the end of a career you are desperate more than ever for medals, grabbing as much as you can as you go.”