Experienced Liverpool pair Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher are both in contention for a return to action against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Experienced Liverpool pair Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher are both in contention for a return to action against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina both missed Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Southampton

First-choice goalkeeper Reina has missed the Reds' last two games with a calf problem while veteran defender Carragher was ruled out of the defeat at Southamptonearlier this month with a shin injury.

Reina has since been on the bench for Spain's internationals against Finland last week and France on Tuesday.

First-team coach Mike Marsh told the club's official website: "They're both available for selection, so it's a possibility.''

Jamie Carragher insists he has proved his doubters wrong

Jamie Carragher insists he has proved his doubters wrong by becoming a Liverpool regular under Brendan Rodgers.

Jamie Carragher joined Liverpool as a youngster in 1990

Carragher, 35, faced a fight to win a place in the side after Rodgers arrived as manager in June, and made just one Premier League start before Christmas.

Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel were the first-choice central defensive partnership during the first half of the season, with Carragher restricted largely to starts in the Europa League and Capital One Cup.

There were questions raised as to whether the former England defender would fit in under the Rodgers regime, but he has responded positively.

Carragher has been a regular in the starting line-up since January, and is looking to continue his run in the side through to the end of the season, when he will retire.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "At the start of the season I was aware that some people were saying I wouldn't suit Rodgers' style of football. But I think I have put that to bed in the last few games I have played.

"I think I've played well this season, without blowing my own trumpet. Even earlier in the season when I was playing in Europe and in the Capital One Cup, I was quite pleased with how I performed. Hopefully I can carry that through to the end of the season."

Brendan Rodgers has highlighted Jamie Carragher's importance in developing the club's young potential,

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has highlighted Jamie Carragher's importance in developing the club's young potential, as he prepares the Anfield stalwart for a coaching role while underlining his continued contribution on the pitch.

Jamie Carragher: Into his 17th season with Liverpool

Carragher, no longer a first-team regular but still an integral part of Rodgers' plans in the defender's 17th season with Liverpool, has a key function in the nurturing of the new batch of talent coming through according to Rodgers.

The former England international's ability to lead on the pitch combined with his manner off it is an invaluable asset to Rodgers, who is handing Carragher the captain's armband for the Capital One Cup tie against West Brom on Wednesday evening as he utilises the 34-year-old's leadership qualities on the pitch.

Jamie Carragher has been told by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

Jamie Carragher has been told by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers that he does have an Anfield future beyond this season.

Jamie Carragher: Could play on

Rodgers has indicated that it will be up to the 34-year-old defender to decide whether to continue playing or join the coaching staff. Carragher has started three of Liverpool's four Europa League matches this season, but has played only half-an-hour of Premier League football.

He will captain an inexperienced side on Thursday night as they face their first Europa League Group A match against Young Boys in Berne.

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool must continue to support the families

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool must continue to support the families of the 96 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster.

Jamie Carragher says the club must do their bit

Carragher attended a vigil in Liverpool on Wednesday night at which those who died at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989 were remembered.

Thousands of people gathered outside the city's St George's Hall on the day an independent report cleared the club's fans of any wrongdoing and revealed a huge cover-up by police and emergency services.

Carragher, who has spent his entire senior career at Anfield, said everyone at the club must continue to do their bit to help the victims' families.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has declared that winger Raheem Stirling

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has declared that winger Raheem Stirling has a "big future" at the club after impressing in the Reds' 1-0 Europa League victoryover Hearts.

Raheem Sterling impressed for Liverpool against Hearts

Sterling, 17, joined the club from QPR's youth set-up in 2010 and has emerged as one of Liverpool's most promising young players in recent years.

The Jamaica-born winger was the star performer as Brendan Rodgers' side toiled for a narrow victory on Thursday, with Andy Webster's 79th-minute own goal giving the Reds an advantage for next Thursday's second leg at Anfield.