Rafa Benitez ponders handing Jack Hobbs full debut

Dec 5 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ is facing a conundrum over Jamie Carragher which could hand Jack Hobbs a full Premier League debut in this weekend’s trip to Reading.

Carragher is walking a disciplinary tightrope having accrued four yellow cards in the league this season.

Another booking at the Madejski Stadium would mean a one-match suspension – which would rule the centre-back out of the home game against champions Manchester United on December 16.

And although Carragher is expected to be fit for Saturday after injuring his rib in a collision with Pepe Reina in the 4-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, Benitez may decide not to risk the defender particularly with doubts remaining over Daniel Agger’s immediate fitness.

That would give Hobbs – who replaced Carragher in the 51st minute for his Premier League debut on Sunday – his chance against Reading, although there is an outside chance Agger could yet be available.

Hobbs actually made his Liverpool debut as an 89th-minute substitute at the Madejski Stadium in the 4-2 Carling Cup win in September, and earned his first-ever career start in the 2-1 win over Cardiff City in the competition the following month.

And the 19-year-old, who signed from Lincoln City in August 2005, believes he is ready to take the next major step in his fledgling career.

“Carra has a week to recover to the Reading game, but if I can fill in and help out I will do,” said Hobbs. “I’d look forward to it and feel I am ready. I was a little bit nervous when the manager told me to strip off on Sunday. When he called me over I didn’t know that Carra was injured, but when I got told I was on I was excited and nervous. I just wanted to get out there and do it.

“It’s another step in my career,” he added.

“It’s a bit more experience for me and it will make the time easier. I’m glad to have come through it without any mistakes.

“Fingers crossed I can get another chance at Reading. Steve Finnan’s injury isn’t that bad but I’ll keep training this week and see what happens. It depends on injuries how often I play this season, but I will keep training hard and see what happens and if I get a chance, I know I must take it.”

Of his appearance against Bolton, Hobbs added: “I’m relieved and quite pleased to have finally made my Premier League debut. I’m just glad to have got a run out, really happy.

“I’ve been on the bench a few times but haven’t been part of it in the league, but I was glad to just get out and do my bit for the team.

“Sami Hyypia was alongside side me talking all the time and really helping me out, although I think Bolton only had one chance during the time I was on. It’s good to have someone with that experience alongside you. It was a little worrying coming on against Nicolas Anelka, who is such a good striker, but I was pleased to get out there no matter who it was up against.”

LIVERPOOL’S FA Cup third round tie at Luton Town or Nottingham Forest will be shown live on Sky Sports on Sunday, January 6 (kick-off 4pm).

Luton entertain Forest in their delayed second round tie next Tuesday, with any replay taking place the following week.