Source: Daily_Mail
Ledley King: Paul McGrath's been an inspiration in battle to save my career
Ledley King will return to the Tottenham dressing room after today'sgame with Chelsea, steeling himself against the pain as his right kneebegins to swell to the size of a small balloon. [LNB]His gait will be uneven and his steps unsteady as he tries toprotect his injury. Then he will prepare for another week of delicate,yet tedious, rehabilitation - then go out and do it all again.[LNB] Flying high: Ledley King gets above John Terry but the pair, who met as kids, could team up for England at the World Cup[LNB] TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC: Latest news from across the webDaniel Levy: Spurs' £30m state-of-the-art training ground won't hinder Harry Redknapp in the transfer marketSpurs back in the hunt for former Arsenal star Patrick VieiraIt is well documented that King's knee lacks any cartilage, which means bone will grind on bone as he clashes with Didier Drogba, possibly the most difficult centre-forward in the Premier League to subdue. [LNB]Somehow, against these odds, he has prevailed, retaining the captaincy of Tottenham and playing sufficiently well for England manager Fabio Capello to consider him. [LNB]It is a phenomenal achievement, matched only in the modern era by Paul McGrath who, like King, was unable to train between matches because of a similar injury. [LNB]In fact, McGrath is more than just an inspiration for King. The Irishman is an unlikely psychological support as the Tottenham centre-half navigates the perils of self-pity and depression that bedevils the injured professional sportsman. [LNB]His issues are hardly as extreme as McGrath, whose descent into alcoholism, suicide attempts and addiction to tranquillisers was graphically detailed in his autobiography - but King can empathise with the former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender, who defied his demons and injuries to be PFA Player of the Year in 1993. [LNB]King said: 'I haven't spoken to Paul but I've just recently started reading his book. He was a top player and I've got a lot of admiration for the way he managed to keep playing through his problems. [LNB]'I recently read some of the things he said about being injured and I can definitely relate to that. You start to doubt yourself because you know everyone else is fitter and they're training on a regular basis. [LNB]Inspiration: Paul McGrath[LNB]'Little things like that have helped me get my mind around it all and stay positive. He has been a big help - though he probably won't realise it. [LNB]'It's been important learning how to keep my mind clear and positive. The more negative things I think about, the more I feel sorry for myself for the things that I can't do, then I'm sure that will affect me.' [LNB]King's contract runs out next year and he hopes to secure another deal on what will most likely be a season-by-season basis. [LNB]At 28, he is good at putting a brave face on his situation most of the time but it might partly explain his arrest last May outside a nightclub, where he was accused of assaulting a doorman.[LNB] No charges were brought and he marked it down as an aberration. [LNB]'It was disappointing,' he said. 'A little bit was taken out of context,' he added, suggesting that his celebrity played a part. [LNB]'I apologised to the club and will make sure it doesn't happen again.' [LNB]Nevertheless, the frustration at his plight, enduring lonely hours away from the team, is evident. [LNB]As he ploughs up and down the swimming pool or considers another hour on the exercise bike to maintain fitness without damaging his knee, he is tempted to consider what might have been without the limitations he has to endure. [LNB]'Of course I think about it but I'm still playing and all I can try to do is make the best out of the situation,' said King. [LNB]'When I finish I'll probably look back and feel that way. But the best thing I can do now is get the best out of myself.' [LNB]And, of course, he can contemplate the extraordinary longevity of McGrath's career.[LNB] 'Paul played until he was 39!', he pointed out gleefully. [LNB]He is reminded, in two World Cup finals, too - a dream King is reluctant to relinquish. If King could be fit for even one game as cover for Rio Ferdinand, Capello has indicated he would consider him for South Africa. [LNB]'I have to be fit and playing well,' said King. 'It's too early to be thinking about the World Cup. I just want to stay fit for the season and play well.' [LNB]Today there is Chelsea to consider, a week after United ended Spurs' 100 per cent start to the season. [LNB]It will be something of a schoolboy reunion, as King grew up next door to Ashley Cole in Bow, east London, and first met John Terry at 11 when they played in the same youth team. [LNB]'Ashley and I had the same dreams at a young age,' said King. 'John was small when I first met him and playing in midfield. But he was a little Braveheart. You could see he was a character.' [LNB]With some tender loving care to that knee and a fair wind, the pair may yet be partners at South Africa 2010.[LNB] TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC: Latest news from across the webDaniel Levy: Spurs' £30m state-of-the-art training ground won't hinder Harry Redknapp in the transfer marketSpurs back in the hunt for former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira[LNB] [LNB]
