Jamie Carragher backs Jay Spearing to fill Liverpool FC void left by Lucas

Liverpool EchoDec 5 2011


JAMIE CARRAGHER believes Jay Spearing has the quality to fill the void in the Liverpool FC side created by Lucas Leiva’s season-ending knee injury.

Spearing is set to be handed his first league start of the campaign in tonight’s Liverpool FC Premier League clash at Fulham.

The tough-tackling LFC midfielder has only seen 20 minutes of league action this term due to the form of Lucas and Charlie Adam.

But Carragher has no doubt that Jay Spearing, who has impressed in the Carling Cup games, is capable of rising to the challenge as Liverpool FC come to terms with the loss of the influential Brazilian.


“It’s up to someone else now to come in and try to do as good a job as Lucas was doing,” Carragher said. “That won’t be easy as he’s been as good as anyone in that position in the Premier League this season.

“But Jay Spearing was outstanding towards the end of last season. He was superb in our win at Fulham.

“In the Carling Cup this season he’s also done really well. He has started away to Stoke and Chelsea – that’s two of the toughest away games you can get in the Premier League. He’s performed well and we got good victories in both of those Cup games.

“No-one will be worried one bit about putting Jay in there. He’s proven before that he’s more than good enough at this level and I’m sure he will prove it again.”

Last season was a breakthrough campaign for Spearing with boss Kenny Dalglish showing a lot of faith in the 23-year-old.

“It’s a big loss for the football club but more importantly for the lad himself because he was doing so well,” he said.

“Lucas had become one of the first names on the teamsheet. I am gutted for him. He’s not just a great player but also a great lad.

“He has a great character and mentality. That’s why I’m sure he will come back no problem. You won’t need to worry about that.

“When you are out for a long time it’s a different challenge to playing every week. Everything you do is geared towards getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“I’m sure he will have the same mentality. He will come back quicker than people expect as he has the positive attitude and determination to get back.”

Liverpool were emphatic 5-2 winners at Craven Cottage back in May but Carragher is expecting a tougher test tonight. Victory would move Dalglish’s men to within two points of fourth placed Chelsea.

“To play the way we did there last season, it was a fantastic result and performance,” Carragher said.

“It’s a very difficult place to go to and win. It’s a tight pitch at Fulham and they will make it hard for us.

“They are tight defensively and up front Bobby Zamora is always a handful. But we’re on a great run at the moment and long may it continue. The way we are playing we have to go there confident of getting the three points.”


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