'It's too soon to end it, Carra'
John Aldridge is desperate for Jamie Carragher to prolong his Liverpool career.
The goalscoring legend thinks his fellow Scouser - who turns 35 this year - still has a significant role to play at Anfield and wants to see him wearing his No.23 shirt next season.
Brendan Rodgers revealed at the weekend that talks about Carragher's future had been planned, and Aldridge will be eagerly anticipating the outcome.
"Jamie was excellent at Mansfield," the 54-year-old wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.
"He marshalled the backline really well and was our best defender.
"Carra is out of contract in the summer and is considering his options. Brendan Rodgers wants him to sign another deal and I'd love to see him keep playing for another year.
"He never lets us down and definitely still has the ability to perform at the top level. Just having him around the place is a massive plus.
"When the time comes and he does hang up his boots, I really hope he's given a coaching role. Carra epitomises everything which is best about the club."
Aldridge was also impressed with the performance of Daniel Sturridge on Sunday.
The debutant took just seven minutes to get off the mark for his new club after collecting a Jonjo Shelvey throughball and finishing into the bottom corner.
Aldridge thinks the 23-year-old will become a big player for the Reds.
"He's bound to need a few games to build up his match fitness but it was hugely promising," wrote Aldridge, who fired 63 goals during his 104 Liverpool appearances.
"Some of his link-up play and his movement were excellent.
"I'm convinced Sturridge will be a big player for us."