Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits his current team needs the leadership of Jamie Carragher following his recall for victory over Norwich City.
It came as a surprise to see Liverpool's No 23 restored to the starting line-up but Martin Skrtel's form in recent weeks has been patchy and with games against Arsenal and Manchester City following Sunday's FA Cup tie at Oldham, Rodgers has hinted that Carragher's experience could be crucial.
"Jamie is an absolute model professional," said Rodgers. "He understands the game and I feel we are a quiet team. Maybe we've needed players who can organise and manage inside the game. He's someone who can do that. Every game he's played for me he's been fantastic.
"There is no doubt we've missed the leadership he offers. I put him in because we've got to kick on and we've got to improve. We've done terrific this season against the teams at Anfield who can make it difficult, we've done really well this year in those games.
"In the big games we want to kick on and for that you need experience, leadership and organisation; just fine lines that can make the difference. That is something I know Jamie has got. We will just take (his future) week by week. He and I communicate a lot; we know what each other is thinking."
