Echoes of Carragher in Gabbidon

Roy Evans has likened Wales star Danny Gabbidon to Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher as the one-time Cardiff boy continues his hugely impressive start to a Barclays Premiership career with West Ham.

Gabbidon, accused by some of being too casual prior to his move to Upton Park in the summer, has produced stunning performances in the heart of defence as the Hammers bid to establish themselves back in the top flight.

He will be at the heart of the Wales defence against Cyprus tomorrow having convinced the former Liverpool boss he has what it takes to succeed at the top.

Evans, who had a major part to play in Carragher’s development at Anfield, admits there were always concerns the Anfield star could make costly mistakes at the heart of defence.

That was the accusation levelled at Gabbidon before West Ham boss Alan Pardew took the gamble on the young defender in the summer.

Evans, now assistant to Wales boss John Toshack, said: “I had not seen much of Danny before I joined John with Wales but he has been terrific and I have been more than impressed.”