Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher prepares to make his 500th Premier League appearance against Tottenham still insistent of retiring at the end of the campaign. The 35-year-old has been in good form of late, but he is pragmatic over his limited opportunities at Liverpool in the long term.

"I made my decision and nothing that's happened since has changed my mind about that," said Carragher. "I've not had any second thoughts just because things are going well.

"People say because I'm playing I should carry on for another year. But in fact being back in the team only confirms for me that I've made the right decision.

"I want to go out on a high, proving I can still perform at that level. I want to stay in the team for the rest of the season and help the club get as many wins as possible - that's my target. I can't think of a better way to go out.

"Obviously the previous 12 months had been difficult in terms of starting games. You never lose that buzz of wanting to play every week and I'm delighted to be back in the side.

"I could play on for another season but the fact is the club will be buying players in my position in the summer and I can't go back to being a substitute again."