Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has no doubts Jamie Carragher will be ready when called upon.

Dalglish remains convinced the No.23 will continue to push for a return and points to the influence he has had on both Agger and Skrtel's Anfield careers as evidence of his continued importance to the cause.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "Competition is always helpful. It's not as if the two boys are novices, they are both seasoned internationals. Daniel is going to Poland and Ukraine with Denmark. Martin's country haven't qualified but they are both seasoned footballers who know how to play.

"When they first came in Jamie was alongside them and was a big help to them, as he was for a lot of people here. I wouldn't underplay what Jamie has done for them, but they are well capable of standing on their own two feet."

On the subject of Carragher's character and standing at Melwood, he added: "I think when you respect people - and we have the utmost respect for Jamie - it is difficult to leave him out, because of what he has done for the club and what he is here.

"But he's also an intelligent boy and will understand, although he would still love to play."