BRENDAN RODGERS says searching for the perfect replacement for Jamie Carragher this summer will be futile as the Liverpool legend is “irreplaceable”.

The Reds boss admits the 35-year-old centre-back will be sorely missed both on and off the pitch when he retires at the end of the season.

“Jamie Carragher has been a giant for me since I’ve come in here,” Rodgers said.

“He’s an incredible man.

“He is one of a dying breed really. He’s someone with real old school values and ethics, but as you’ve seen from his past two performances in big games he still has the qualities to play at this level.

“He’s a real iconic player for this club and one who will be irreplaceable.

“I don’t think that type can be replaced.

“He’s what I would call a pure defender. In the modern game, there are very few like that as you see a lot of rash defending.

“He defends with great intelligence and he knows when to mark a man and when to mark space. He understands the basic principles of defending and he’s an outstanding leader and organiser.

“To find someone with all those capabilities and someone with the heart of a lion is very difficult.

“We will have to look for other types with other qualities.”

Rodgers had hoped his vice-captain would extend his career for a further 12 months but fully respects his decision to walk away after 17 seasons of dedicated service to Liverpool.

“I’ve had many conversations with Jamie this season so I knew all along what was in his mind,” he added.

“It’s something he had thought long and hard about over the course of the past 18 months.

“Jamie thought about it last summer when I first came in. Him and I had some good conversations and I persuaded him to stay on.

“He’s been brilliant for me and it was always clear that I wanted him to stay on but he has put his body through a lot over the course of the past 16 years. He has a beautiful young family he may want to spend some time with.”

Carragher has started the past three Premier League matches and is set to keep his place for Monday night’s clash with West Brom at Anfield.

“Between now and the end of the season he wants to concentrate on his football and doesn’t want to look too much into the future,” Rodgers said.

“He’s playing in the team and doing exceptionally well. He’s 35 but still very fit. The supporters should really enjoy watching him.”