Gerrard rues Carragher absence

The 25-year-old Bootle defender is not expected to return to first team action until at least March of next year and Gerrard feels his absence is being felt as strongly as it would if Michael Owen or Harry Kewell faced such a stretch out of the team.

Gerrard said: "As far as I'm concerned, losing Jamie Carraher is as big a blow as losing Michael Owen or Harry Kewell.

"Carra has been underrated by everybody for too long. Because he doesn't score goals or hit 50-yard passes, people have never given him the credit he deserves.

"We all know he has sweated blood for this team and we're gutted not to have him. Players like that are not only missed on the park, but around the dressing room because he's such a good laugh to have around.

"It also make a bit of a difference because he's an English player and a local lad. Although we all get on with each other, it's always nice to have one of your own to talk to in the dressing room."