Joey Barton and Jamie Carragher involved in Twitter spat over Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson - he'll never be Steven Gerrard

Carragher disputes Barton's argument that Henderson can't be the 'next Gerrard'

(Getty Images)

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton was involved in a war of words with former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher over the role of Jordan Henderson.

Henderson hit the headlines after being involved in a row with Italian striker Mario Balotelli over who would take a penalty in the late win against Besiktas. Henderson was vice-captain but Balotelli has a great record from 12 yards and eventually won the argument.

Barton said in the immediate aftermath of the incident that Balotelli was right to "pull rank" as he is "technically better" than the England midfielder.

He continued his rant today, stating that you would back Balotelli over Henderson if there was a penalty to "save your life"; he later added that Henderson was not close to Steven Gerrard, despite appearing to be groomed to become his replacement.

Mario Balotelli argued with Jordan Henderson over who would take the penalty (GETTY IMAGES)

Carragher then leapt to the defence of the Liverpool man, stating that no one had ever stated Henderson was a replacement for Gerrard - although they had...

Brendan Rodgers has stated today that Mario Balotelli was, in fact, the penalty taker.