Carra's praise for Houllier

Last updated : 27 May 2004 By Al Campbell
Carragher, who was given the captain's armband on a few occasions by Gerard Houllier, yesterday praised the frenchman for preventing him going off the rails.

Carra said "I have to thank him [Houllier] for what he did for me on and off the pitch.

"When he arrived at the club I was a young lad. Houllier got a lot of players out of the club who he didn't think had the right attitude on and off the pitch. Maybe he thought I might get influenced by them and he made it clear to me that he had belief in me and faith in me.

"He explained that if I wanted a career at the top I had to live the life off the pitch, live like a top player. Gradually I think I am getting there and I think that in a lot of ways what he installed into me is one of the reasons why I am going to Euro 2004."