Carra: I wish I'd gone in goal

Ahead of each Anfield clash, the 'Just Can't Get Enough' feature conducted a quirky interview with a member of the first-team squad in which the questions ranged from football-related issues to dressing room banter and life off the pitch.

Over the last few days, Liverpoolfc.com has been publishing a selection of these interviews and we continue the series today with Jamie Carragher, who explains why he'd fancy himself as a makeshift goalie and tells us who'd win a crossbar challenge at Melwood.

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If you had to go in goal, how do you think you'd fare?

In goal? I think I'd do okay. I'd obviously organise my back four so I didn't have too much work to do. I'd be brave but I don't think I'd be good with my hands. I'd be one of those 'keepers who tries to save a lot of shots with his feet.

I was asked to go in during the derby in 1999 when Sander Westerveld got sent off. Gerard Houllier was shouting for me to take the gloves. But I said no and Steve Staunton did it. I wish I had gone in now because that would mean I'd played in every position.

Of the outfield lads, who would make the worst 'keeper?

Who's the smallest in the team? Jay Spearing, yeah Spearo. Everyone would keep lobbing him so I'd have to go for him!

Crossbar challenge. Which of your past or present teammates would win if there was a competition here at Melwood?

I'm trying to think of lads who are good passers of the ball. We do try that a lot. I'd probably go for Stevie or Xabi Alonso, they know how to flight the ball well. Charlie Adam too.

Do you recall the first time you played against Steven Gerrard in training and what were your first impressions?

No, I don't. So he can't have been that good, can he? (Laughs)

What's your favourite football trophy?

It would have to be the Champions League. At international level you obviously have the World Cup, but in club football it would have to be the Champions League. It's the biggest prize you can win, it looks the best and feels great when you're picking it up. It's unique, with its big ears. I think as a kid you remember it when you see it on TV because it's so big. The fact that it's been the same trophy for so long also makes it special. It hasn't changed.

Before your first game, what did the senior players say to you?

I don't remember, I'm not even sure if they did say anything. I played in midfield, alongside Jamie Redknapp. He was a great help because he was always moving to receive a pass. It was a pretty young team that day. I was in the side because John Barnes was injured, so I'd say Jamie was the biggest help.

What do you say to the youngsters now?

I don't think I say anything specific. When you're in a game you try to organise players and give them advice. It doesn't matter if they're old or young lads. If that helps somebody then great.

Maybe you chat to youngsters a little bit, you try to help them relax. It's not down to them to win us games though, that's up to the senior lads.

During your time in the game, who's been the loudest opponent in the tunnel before kick-off?

I think when you play lower league teams in the cup a lot of that goes on. I don't know if it's caused by nerves or what. In the Premier League you don't get too much of that because everybody knows each other.

I always think it's a nonsense, I don't know what it does. I think it's far more important to shout and organise on the pitch.

When you have to pose for the TV close-ups is it an enjoyable experience?

I'm not sure any of the players look forward to it but it's something you have to do. I think it does look good on TV. It doesn't take too long. Some of the lads start laughing but I think if you start laughing you'll be in there longer. You're in there on your own so none of the lads can start messing or try to put you off.

LFC Masterchef. What would you cook and who would win?

Penne Carragher (laughs). I'd have no chance of winning, I'd come last!

I haven't got a clue who would make a good cook. I'd imagine Pepe might be decent. It would probably be one of the foreign lads who've spent some time abroad and have to learn how to cook. I'm very lucky, if my wife's away I can just go to my mum's or the restaurant.

What's the worst DVD you've watched recently?

I'd never watched any of the Harry Potter movies. Then, a few weeks ago, I put one on with the kids. After an hour I thought I was wasting my time. I went and watched Question of Sport instead.

Your best five-a-side team from players who haven't played in England?

Buffon would be in goal. Obviously Messi would have to play. Xavi and Iniesta too. A defender? Franco Baresi.

Which of the lads is the best when it comes to answering football questions?

I haven't got a clue. Reina's okay. I think Pepe knows a bit about football so I'll go for him.

Apart from Anfield, what's the best stadium you've played at?

I used to always say the Nou Camp. I've been lucky enough to play at the Bernabeu and the San Siro too. It's difficult to separate them. I think I played my 100th European game in the San Siro, I was captain at the Bernabeu and we've never lost at Barcelona. I could pick any of those, for any of those reasons.

Who's the best ref to have taken charge of a game you've played in?

Andre Marriner.

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