Roy Hodgson hails ex-England defender Jamie Carragher after announcing retirement plans

Roy Hodgson has paid tribute to Jamie Carragher after the Liverpool vice-captain announced his plans to retire from playing.

The England Manager worked with Carragher during his six month spell in charge at Anfield and says he has been a ‘model professional’ since making his Reds debut in 1996.

The Bootle-born defender has won The FA Cup twice, the League Cup three times and enjoyed European success in the UEFA Cup and, of course, the amazing night in the Istanbul in 2005, winning the Champions League.

The 35-year-old also played for England at U20, U21 and B level before winning 38 caps for the Senior Team. His last appearance for the Three Lions came in the 0-0 draw with Algeria at the 2010 World Cup.

And Hodgson predicts a bright future in coaching or management when Carragher hangs up his boots at the end of the season.

“Having worked with Jamie Carragher it was always evident that he was a model professional who gave everything he had for club and country,” said Hodgson.

“He has had a fantastic career and will always be looked on very fondly by everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club.”

He added: “It was good to see him back in the team recently, I hope that between now and the end of the season he is able to add to his great total of appearances for the club.

“After retirement I am sure he will march quickly up the coaching ladder and become one of the country’s top young coaches.”