Jamie Carragher has all the hallmarks required to be a future Liverpool manager, according to Tommy Smith.


The Reds vice-captain has made no secret of his desire to enter coaching once he hangs up his boots and has already begun a programme to earn his UEFA B licence.

And while Carragher still has many more games to play before his playing career draws to close, Smith believes the 33-year-old has what it takes to be a success in the dugout.

"It was interesting to hear Jamie Carragher on his plans when he eventually hangs up his boots," said the man nicknamed the Anfield Iron. "And no surprise to know that he wants to stay in the game and get into management.

"Because Jamie will not just make a good manager one day, but a good Liverpool manager, of that I have no doubt.

"I was fortunate to play for years under Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan. And if you don't know what makes a good boss after playing under those men, you'll never know.

"They were all different but all had fantastic strengths, a passion for the game and a love of Liverpool FC.

"Not one of them would tolerate a player giving anything but his best, week in week out. They were born winners who loved the fans and reminded their players of their duty towards them. Shanks in particular worshipped the fans as much as they loved him.

"All sound familiar?

"They are exactly the qualities and characteristics which Jamie Carragher possesses in abundance."

Carragher is second in Liverpool's all-time appearance list having tallied 676 games for the club and Smith feels his love for the game and experience will stand him in good stead for if and when he begins a coaching career.

"He's doing his coaching badges now but given all his experience at Liverpool and on the international stage, he's already perfectly well qualified for me," he added.

"Jamie not only loves the club and knows it inside out, he also has a fantastic knowledge of the world game too. He's not just a wholehearted local player as some see it, but an educated student of the game. And that's important too these days.

"Jamie wouldn't stand any messing from anyone, and as we all see he is a born organiser too.

"I've no doubt that one day he'll be be our manager. And rightly so.

"He's got everything we'll one day need in a future Liverpool FC boss."