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Jamie Carragher has unexpected reaction after Liverpool legend's son scores first professional goal

James Carragher scored his first senior goal against Bristol Rovers
-Credit:Andrew Vaughan/Getty Images


Jamie Carragher's son scored his first professional goal on Saturday, and the Liverpool legend reacted to the milestone with a cheeky message.

James Carragher, 22, is a defender like his father, and he hit the back of the net for the first time in senior football while playing for Wigan Athletic. The center-back is a product of the Latics' academy and he got on the scoresheet in the League One clash against Bristol Rovers at The Brick Community Stadium.

Carragher rose highest to meet a Joseph Hungbo cross and head it beyond West Bromwich Albion loanee Josh Griffiths in the Rovers goal to give Wigan the lead inside six minutes. Wigan had lost three of their last four heading into the game and Carragher sent them en route to a much-needed three points.

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It turned out to be a perfect afternoon for the youngster, who helped his team keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory – with Jonny Smith getting the second goal 20 minutes from time. The result lifted Wigan to 16th in the table, 12 points clear of the relegation zone and within nine points of the playoff places.

Sky Sports was quick to poke fun at Carragher Sr. after his son's breakthrough moment. One of the broadcaster's many social media accounts pointed out the 22-year-old needed just four more goals to eclipse his father's total from his entire Liverpool career.

The 46-year-old scored only four times in his 737 appearances for the Reds, and he is frequently reminded of the fact he scored seven own goals in that time. He saw the funny side, posting a swearing emoji and two laughing faces in reply.

The moment will be all the sweeter for the Carragher family after the challenges James faced as a fledgling player trying to make it in the first team. His development was halted by a persistent knee injuries that started during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdown rules inhibiting his recovery.

Jamie opened up on the emotional toll during an episode of 'Stick To Football'. "Twelve months ago I was in a dark place over my son's injuries," he admitted. "I didn't get injuries. When I was at Liverpool I'd go in the treatment room and I'd see people on the bed, and I could never get this out of my head, I'd [think] they're faking it, they're not tough enough. Because I didn't get injured. I couldn't understand that people got injured... and then my own son went through it."

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James would suffer a major setback on the opening day of preseason in 2023. His father explained: "I'm thinking finally after two years he's been to see the best person in London, great. He starts pre-season, I'm on holiday, and on the first day, he phones me. And as soon as he phoned me... I knew straight away, [in] my stomach.

"I booked a flight [home] that night. The holiday's finished for me. I've got to get home. He can't be at home alone with this. Seeing him and what we went through last summer to try and get to the bottom of it, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy."

The youngster has bounced back impressively, making 17 League One appearances for Wigan this season after playing 20 times on loan for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Championship last year.