'He's a typical Liverpool player'
Alan Hansen has praised the fighting spirit of midfielder Jay Spearing - and believes the local lad has all the hallmarks of a 'typical Liverpool player'.
Most Reds fans would find it hard to disagree after watching the 23-year-old cement his place in the first-team squad by turning in consistently solid performances this season.
Spearing's ability to slot straight back into the side, especially after disruptions such as his sending off against Fulham and injury at Manchester City, is what Hansen feels marks him out as a key part of Kenny Dalglish's squad.
"Just in front of the two centre-backs, Jay Spearing has done very well," the Scot told LFC Magazine. "He suffered the setback of being sent off at Fulham and then got injured against City in the League Cup after that.
"But he's always recovered from those knocks and come back stronger. That's the mark of a player for me. Every time you see Jay play, he looks as though he's been there forever.
"He's a typical Liverpool player: he gets it, he gives it, he always takes it and that's what makes it so difficult to shift him. For Kenny, it must be brilliant to have players with an attitude like that."
Hansen played 620 games at the heart of the Liverpool defence between 1977 and 1990 before going on to earn a reputation as one of most football's most respected analysts.
Writing in his column for LFC Magazine, he took time out to praise the budding partnership of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel in the centre of the Reds' defence.
The pair have proved a formidable duo this season as Jamie Carragher has been forced to settle for a place on the bench in recent weeks.
Their performances mean Liverpool currently boast the second strongest defence in the Premier League, having conceded just two more goals than table-toppers Manchester City.
Hansen said: "The partnership between Skrtel and Agger is developing into one of the best in the league. There's a nice balance between the two; they complement each other so, so well.
"Everybody has always recognised that Agger is top class with the potential to be world class. He's been relatively free of injury this season and that has enabled him to prove it.
"Especially over the last six months, Skrtel has been simply outstanding. He's back to his very best. He's got the strength, the pace and his judgement in the air has been almost perfect. It's magnificent to watch when you see a defender like that so desperate to keep a clean sheet."