The Reds manager has praised the veteran defender, who is planning on retiring from the game at the end of the season, and believes he could continue to play next year

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called on veteran defender Jamie Carragher to delay his proposed retirement from the game.

The 35-year-old announced earlier this season that this campaign would be his last in the Premier League, but Rodgers is hoping to persuade him otherwise.

The former England international has made 33 appearances for the Merseyside outfit this season after forcing Martin Skrtel out of the side, with the latest outing coming in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Reading.

The Liverpool legend had been tipped to venture into a coaching role at the club, but Rodgers thinks Carragher still has more to offer on the pitch.

“Carra’s been fantastic and I do believe he could play next season,” Rodgers told Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday. “He and I communicate a lot and he’s obviously got something in his mind.

“We will sit down between now and the end of the season anyway and we’ll see where it goes. If he does go, I will certainly miss him because he’s been brilliant for me.

“He’s shown great respect and really helped me and the other guys.

“The thing for now is to keep performing the way he is until the end of the season and between then and now he and we will chat.

“This guy’s incredible. I want to put that on record.”