Source: Team_Talk
Crouch pours praise on 'brilliant' King
Peter Crouch claims England will have a "world class" central defender at their disposal if Ledley King can remain fit for the World Cup.[LNB] Crouch has known of King's qualities for more than a decade since his first spell at Tottenham as a schoolboy.[LNB]And the striker has seen at first hand King's impact at White Hart Lane since returning to the club for a second spell.[LNB]King is part of Fabio Capello's provisional squad of 30 for South Africa and is likely to be named in the final 23.[LNB]Crouch believes he will be a key figure if he stays clear of the knee problem which has blighted his career.[LNB]Crouch said: "Ledley has been brilliant. I've known Ledley for a lot of years and I know what a superb player he is.[LNB]"I've known Ledley since I was 13 in my first spell at Spurs. He was fantastic even then. Even then you knew he was going to be world class and he has proven that.[LNB]"As long as he can prove his fitness, he will be up there as one of the best centre-halfs at the World Cup.[LNB]"He has proved his quality this season, hopefully he has proved his fitness.[LNB]"He played the last three games of the season, all for the 90 minutes, he came through those and trained this week with England as well."[LNB]Crouch added: "It is a big boost because he is such a quality player and everyone would be happy to have him in their squad.[LNB]"Ledley has to be managed a bit different to the rest of the players. He has to do his own thing and train when he feels capable of it.[LNB]"Without a doubt, the manager thinks it is worthwhile him coming and, on his day when he is fit, there are not many as good as him."[LNB]Crouch has also welcomed the recall to the squad of another centre-back in Jamie Carragher, whom he played alongside during his spell at Liverpool.[LNB]He said: "Jamie brings a great deal of experience. He has played at top level for a long, long time now.[LNB]"I played with Jamie for three years at Liverpool and he is a leader and has great experience - and having that experience at major tournaments certainly helps."
