Source: Daily_Mail
Ledley King determined to play for Spurs against Birmingham
ShareLedley King is hoping to play in Tottenham's final game of the season after revealing that he suffered no recurrence of his long-standing groin injury during his comeback against Liverpool last week. [LNB]King spent seven months sidelined with the problem before making his comeback in Sunday's 2-0 win at Anfield. [LNB]Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was reluctant to rush King back given his chronic knee troubles but the club captain excelled in the victory and is now confident of playing some part in this weekend's clash against relegation-threatened Birmingham at White Hart Lane. [LNB] Raring to go: Ledley King is desperate to play a part when Spurs take on Birmingham on Sunday[LNB]A victory over Alex McLeish's men could condemn the midlanders to relegation and a home win would see Spurs secure fifth place. [LNB]'I am fine. I have a few little aches and pains now but that's normal and with the recovery it's been so far so good, so hopefully I will be involved in the last game on Sunday,' King told Spurs TV Online. [LNB] Dutch courage: Rafael van der Vaart (right) hopes to be over a calf injury in time for the Birmingham clash [LNB]'It was great to be back playing. I mademy debut at Anfield so it's a stadium that holds a lot of memories for me. It was nice to be part of such a great team performance that got thewin.'[LNB]Defensive duo: Ledley King and Michael Dawson[LNB]Should King feature, it will be the first time that he has played two successive Barclays Premier League games in over a year. [LNB]Rafael van der Vaart scored the opener in last weekend's crucial triumph before coming off with a calf injury at the start of the second half. [LNB]The Dutchman has looked back to his best recently and he insists he will do all he can to line up on Sunday at White Hart Lane. [LNB]'Stretched my calf a bit last Sunday against Liverpool but will do everything to make the last game of the season,' he said on Twitter. [LNB]Redknapp hopes to have Benoit Assou-Ekotto (hamstring), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Heurelho Gomes (back) available for the visit of the Blues. [LNB]WilliamGallas is likely to miss out with a calf injury, meaning King could come back in at centre-half alongside Michael Dawson - a man who he feels has grown in stature during his absence. [LNB]'Michaelhas been outstanding,' King said. 'He always is when I play alongside him. He's getting better and better and his game has elevated to new levels. [LNB]'It's nice to play alongside him. I knew I would get tired during the Liverpool game, that I would have spells when I would have to dig deep, and it's great to have someone like Michael there alongside you.'[LNB] Defoe warning for Tottenham: Play me or I will have to leave the clubVan der Vaart pledges future to Spurs despite Champions League failureMartin Samuel: Life on the road with Gazza when the wheels came off...Watch all the Premier League goals every week on our brilliant video playerAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Michael Dawson, William Gallas, Harry Redknapp, Alex McLeish, Ledley King, Tom Huddlestone Places: Birmingham, Liverpool
