Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has paid tribute to retiring teammate Jamie Carragher.

With Steven Gerrard sidelined after shoulder surgery, Carragher is likely to lead the Reds out at Fulham on Sunday and against Queens Park Rangers at Anfield next week.

"Jamie deserves it," said midfielder Lucas. "He has had an awesome career and for I don't know how many years he has been playing for the first team. He is an example. If you want to succeed as a Liverpool player, you need to really watch him and follow what he does - not just on the weekend, but on a daily basis.

"Jamie is a great professional and the next two games, the armband will be a reward for him for what he has done and he'll retire on a high."