Carragher Boost For Liverpool

JAMIE CARRAGHER is ready to give Liverpool a boost going into Sunday 's Merseyside derby by signing a new contract. Liverpool's vice-captain has never made any secret of his desire to be remembered as a 'one club man' and that will now be the case, as a two-year deal has been agreed. Carragher, 32, could have become a free agent at the end of the current campaign but there was never any suggestion he would move on to further his career. Boss Roy Hodgson said in August that once the transfer window closed, sorting out Carragher 's future was a top priority and that business has now been conducted. It is understood there are no clauses in this deal that relate to Carragher joining the coaching staff but, as he is currently studying for his UEFA badges, it would be no surprise if that happened in the future. Carragher, inevitably, will be a key figure when the Reds make the short hop across Stanley Park this weekend but so, too, will Fernando Torres, whom Hodgson has confirmed will be fit to face Everton. Paul Konchesky also having recovered from a hamstring problem but it is the news that Torres is ready to start firing on all-cylinders after shrugging off a groin injury that Hodgson believes will give Liverpool a lift. Torres has an enviable record against the Blues – his double blast at Goodison Park in September 2008 is still fondly remembered – and Hodgson hopes a similar performance will transform his campaign. "Konchesky has made a good recovery as has Fernando, so all being well we can welcome those two back, " said Hodgson. "We get two good ones back, but lose a good one in (Dirk) Kuyt. "Fernando's season needs to kickstart. He's been hampered a bit by injuries and what happened at the World Cup. "We see a livelier and a better Fernando every day. It was really unfortunate he got that injury against Blackpool but luckily it came in the international break so he won't miss anymore league games for us. " The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of Kuyt, who damaged his ankle ligaments on Tuesday evening playing for Holland and Hodgson is frustrated that he will be without a key performer for a considerable spell. "He does recover very quickly and the thing about Dirk is that he is always anxious to get back on the football field, " said Hodgson. "If it can done in three weeks it will be three. If it can be two he'll do it in two – but we are looking at a lay-off. "But it's disappointing because it is the second time he has gone away with the national team and come back and missed weeks for us. "