DESPITE a career total of 663 appearances, 14 years in the Liverpool first team – and a lingering headache after a brutal collision with team-mate John Flanagan, Jamie Carragher isn’t ready to pass on the torch just yet.

But the 33-year-old Reds star is convinced that when he does, the club’s future is in safe hands.

Youngsters Jay Spearing and Flanagan both started again at Arsenal on Sunday, while 17-year-old Jack Robinson came off the bench to replace injured full-back Fabio Aurelio.

England under-19 midfielder Jonjo Shelvey also made an appearance, all of which left 33-year-old Carragher in no doubt that the future’s bright at Anfield.

“Having all these young players is great testament to them and the work done down at the Academy as well as the manager for giving them a chance,” said Carragher.

“To achieve what we have in the past two games with all the injuries and having to play the young lads bodes really well for the future this season and next.

“Over the past few years our academy has had a bit of criticism, but if you look at the last 15 or 20 years, there can’t be many clubs who have produced more quality players than Liverpool.

“It looks like we have got a few more coming through, don’t forget Martin Kelly could have been in the last England squad if he had not picked up a knock.

“There are still players to come through.

“Jay Spearing has done fantastic.

“We all stuck in together and played as a team, which really showed out there.”

Carragher, born in Bootle, continued: “The main thing is the players are good enough, it is not where they come from.

“But of course I think supporters would like to see local players coming through, but the main thing is the quality and those lads have shown today that they certainly have the quality and hopefully a few more will come through.

“It is great to have them in the side, and it also saves the club money.”