"This season was the first time I've had to spend a long time out during the course of a season and it does make you look at things a bit differently," said Carragher.
"When you're watching the lads out there you can learn as much as when you're playing. I've listened to all the criticism of my game that I don't get forward enough, and while I didn't want to lose the fact I'm an out-and-out defender, I wanted to improve that aspect of the game.
"I think since I've come back I've shown I've worked on that and I've managed to get forward a lot more from full-back.
"One of the reasons I worked so hard to get back was because I was terrified of losing my place. Even when you're fit, it's hard enough to stay in the team, but when you can't do anything about it, there's always a worry in the back of your mind someone is going to come in, do really well, and that will be it for you.
"I wanted to get back in as soon as possible and make a full-back position mine again."