Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher could not contain his delight after his son, James, scored his first professional goal for Wigan Athletic against Bristol Rovers on Saturday
Jamie Carragher’s kid scored his first professional goal on Saturday, and the Liverpool star celebrated with a cheeky message.
James Carragher, 22, is a defender like his father and scored his first professional goal while playing for Wigan Athletic. The center-back is a product of the Latics’ youth and scored against Bristol Rovers in League One at The Brick Community Stadium.
Carragher rose highest to meet a Joseph Hungbo cross and head it past West Bromwich Albion loanee Josh Griffiths in the Rovers goal, giving Wigan the lead after six minutes. Wigan had lost three of their previous four games going into the encounter, and Carragher set them up for a much-needed three points.
It proved to be a fantastic afternoon for the kid, who helped his team keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory, with Jonny Smith scoring the second goal 20 minutes from time. The result propelled Wigan to 16th position in the rankings, 12 points clear of the relegation zone and nine points from the playoff places.
Sky Sports was quick to poke fun at Carragher Sr. following his son’s breakthrough. One of the broadcaster’s several social media accounts noted that the 22-year-old needed only four more goals to surpass his father’s tally from his whole Liverpool career.
The 46-year-old scored only four goals in 737 Reds appearances, and he is regularly reminded of the seven own goals he scored during that period. He saw the funny side and responded with a swearing emoji and two laughing faces.
The Carragher family will cherish the moment even more following James’ struggles to break into the first team as a young player. His progress was stifled by chronic knee problems that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and lockdown measures hampered his recuperation.
Jamie discussed 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 told me. “I did not sustain any harm. When I was at Liverpool, I’d go into the treatment room and see people on the bed, and I couldn’t get this thought out of my head: they’re faking it, they’re not strong enough. Because I was not wounded. I couldn’t believe individuals were hurt… and then my own son went through it.”
James would suffer a significant setback on the first day of preseason in 2023. His father explained, “I’m thinking now after two years, he’s been to see the best person in London, which is fantastic. He starts pre-season while I am on vacation, and on the first day, he calls me. And as soon as he called… I knew right away, [in] my tummy.
“I booked a flight home that night. The vacation is over for me. I had to get home. He cannot stay at home alone with this. “Seeing him and what we went through last summer trying to get to the bottom of it, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
The youngster has recovered successfully, making 17 League One appearances for Wigan this season after spending 20 games on loan for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Championship last year.
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