Carra: Stevie can go on for years
Jamie Carragher believes Steven Gerrard could enjoy another five years at the top - and claims the skipper's return next month will give everyone at the club a major lift as our quest for honours takes shape.
Injuries have restricted Gerrard to six appearances since Kenny Dalglish returned to the Anfield dugout in January.
In his absence Carragher has worn the captain's armband, but the 33-year-old will be delighted to hand it back once his pal is fit again.
Gerrard underwent a groin operation at the end of last season and, after recovering from an infection, is expected to be available in September.
"It's a great honour to lead the team out but the fact is I'd prefer not to be doing it because like everyone else I want our captain back," Carragher said.
"I speak to Stevie all the time and he's desperate to get back involved. The quicker he is back the better.
"We missed him at the back end of last season and having him back will give everyone a massive boost.
"It will give a lift to the supporters and to the new players who have come in this summer.
"The new lads will have heard so much about him but they haven't had the chance to train with him yet. To get to play and train with Stevie will be great for them and I'm sure that will help their development.
"There's still plenty more to come from Steven Gerrard.
"He's one of the best, if not the best player to play in the Premier League over the past decade.
"When Stevie is back playing it will be like we've just signed a great new player. He's still got four or five years ahead of him to play for Liverpool."
Meanwhile, Carragher also spoke about the impact Luis Suarez made after arriving from Ajax in January.
Four goals and five assists from 13 appearances is impressive enough but the Copa America winner was involved in many more magical moments during our surge up the table under Dalglish.
Our No.23 is hoping for more of the same in 2011-12.
"I see myself as a supporter and like them I love Suarez," Carragher said.
"I'm just made up he's our player and I'm desperate for him to have another great season.
"I watched him in the Copa America and he was excellent. Hopefully he can carry that form on for us. If he does then he will be one of the standout players in the Premier League this season.
"The best foreign players deliver straight away and Luis has proved he's in that top bracket."