IN an era dominated by multi-millionaire average players and shameless mercenaries, the notion of the testimonial seems as old hat as short shorts and inflatable bananas.

But if ever there was a modern-day player worthy of such an accolade, it is Jamie Carragher.

More than 13 years after first pulling on a first-team shirt, the Bootle-born veteran remains a mainstay at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. However, it’s for more than just his efforts on the field that Carragher has become synonymous with the city of Liverpool, revered by the red half and grudgingly respected by those of a blue persuasion.

It’s why more than 30,000 are expected to descend upon Anfield on Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to the 32-year-old for a friendly between a Liverpool XI and an Everton XI.

The ideal opposition, given Carragher was brought up a Goodison fanatic and even turned up for training as a youngster at Liverpool’s Academy wearing an Everton shirt.

It earned the budding youngster the nickname of ‘Sharpy’ from Kenny Dalglish, having embarked on his career path as a striker.

A graduate at the Football Association’s School of Excellence at Lilleshall, Carragher had dropped back into central midfield by the time he helped a Liverpool team including the likes of Michael Owen and David Thompson to FA Youth Cup glory in 1996.

His big senior break came the following season and, whether it be in midfield, left-back, right-back or ultimately centre-back, the tenacious Carragher would become a mainstay of the first team.

Soon the honours flowed. The treble of League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001. Another League Cup in 2003. An FA Cup in 2006. A UEFA Super Cup in 2001 and another, as captain, in 2005.