Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has questioned Joey Barton's remarks that Jordan Henderson should not try to be Steven Gerrard's "clone".
The Queens Park Rangers midfielder commented on Henderson's captaincy credentials after the 24-year-old allowed Mario Balotelli to take his spot as penalty taker in last night's 1-0 win over Besiktas in the Europa League.
The controversial moment led Barton to tweet: "Contrary to some people beliefs Jordan Henderson will not now or will he ever be even in the same stratosphere as Steven Gerrard. Anyone who thinks he will replace Gerrard, short, medium or long term is deluded. Even Brendon knows he's bullshitting when he says it.
"Someone somewhere trying to make Henderson, heir to Gerrard's throne. It will end in tears. He isn't and will never be capable.Not many are. Wearing armbands. Trying to impersonate legends is admirable but will end in tears because it's not genuine. Henderson should be himself.
"He is great at being himself. Much better than trying to be a Steven Gerrard clone. You can't copy what SG had. Talent."
Carragher commented on the remarks by writing: "@Joey7Barton How's Henderson trying to impersonate Gerrard? Who said he's the next Gerrard? Wearing armbands, would you say no to captaincy?"
Henderson, who is currently the club's vice-captain, has been widely tipped to take the armband from Gerrard when the midfielder leaves for Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.
Danielle Joynson
