TRUST Jamie Carragher to celebrate his big day by putting through his own goal. Yet it was in keeping with the occasion as supporters from both sides of Stanley Park congregated to pay tribute to one of the city's most cherished footballing sons.

Let's face it, there aren't many Liverpool players who would have marked his testimonial by realising the dream of scoring against his own keeper for boyhood heroes Everton.

Carragher, though, is one-off, a mould-breaking presence revered by the red half of Merseyside and respected by those of a blue persuasion.

Certainly, few can match the passion and loyalty that courses through the 32-year-old's veins and ensured his testimonial proved as successful as his efforts whenever pulling on a Liverpool shirt.

Carragher hopes to raise £1million for his 23 Foundation through Saturday's game and a gala dinner.

And the 35,631 who turned up at Anfield at the weekend were treated to a memorable afternoon in which the past, present and future all joined to commemorate Carragher's 14-year professional career for Liverpool.

It's a curious fact of the defender's lengthy time at the club that his tally of five goals is actually outstripped by those he has scored against Liverpool.

And that ratio was maintained on Saturday with Carragher achieving a lifelong ambition by scoring for both clubs from the penalty spot.

Manchester United striker Michael Owen, donning a Liverpool jersey for the first time since his departure to Real Madrid six years ago, was given a mixed reception during his first-half appearance, although the smattering of jeers were soon drowned out by the cheers of the Kop.

But with Owen having earned a 45th-minute penalty for a shot that was handled by Everton centre-back Shane Duffy, Carragher almost undid the hard work of one of his best mates at winning over the Anfield doubters by imploring the forward take the spot-kick.