Hyypia praises Carra

Last updated : 27 October 2009 By Al Campbell
Carra has been criticised this season but produced an excellent defensive display on Sunday as the Reds kept a clean sheet in their 2-0 win over Man Utd. Carragher's performance was no suprise to the watching Sami Hyypia.

"Carra had a cracking game, especially in the final stages of the match when United were pressing," said the Finn, who watched the game in the Director's Box alongside Didi Hamann.

"He was very solid and it was great to see him play this way, but I have always known that he is a strong character. Hopefully, now he can keep playing like this in the games to come because the matches do not exactly get any easier from here.

"Arsenal and Fulham are important games also and Liverpool will want to build on their performance against United because their victory will not be quite so important if they don't.

"There are times when you are bound to get criticism as a player and it can be tough. Sometimes it can happen far too quickly if you play just one bad game; and if you play a cracking game, then you are the best in the world.

"Players have to remember this and Carra is mentally strong. No one is expecting him to run the length of the field and smash the ball into the back of the net, but he is a very solid defender and an important part of the Liverpool team."