Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

• Nickname:Spurs
• Founded:1882
• Manager:André Villas-Boas

• Ground:White Hart Lane
• Capacity:36240

Harry hails fantastic King

09 Dec 2008 - 08:17:15

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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp praised Ledley King's bravery after the defender had scored the crucial opening goal in Monday's 2-0 victory at West Ham United.

The 28-year-old England international has struggled with a chronic knee injury for the last two years and was only able to play in eight matches during 2007.

Despite continuing to be affected by the problem, King has started seven of the eight Premier League games since Redknapp took charge at White Hart Lane, although he continues to be rested for cup matches.

Redknapp said: "Ledley is strong in the air. He is a fantastic player. He has been unfortunate as his knee is a massive problem.

"Sunday was the first morning he came out training. He trained for 15 minutes and then came over and his knee was hurting him and it was swollen.

"I said: 'No chance tomorrow Ledley?'

"He said: 'I'll ice it and let's see how it turns out tomorrow'. He turned up today and said he would give it a go.

"It is like that every week for him. He can't train all week. The first time we see him is the day before a game when he comes out and tries to get himself going again.

"It is such a shame for such a talented boy that he has a knee like that, that stops him playing all the time and doing what he wants to do.

"It is doubtful he will figure against Manchester United. I have to be careful with him - if he does play two games in a week and his knee blows up he could be out for a long time.

"We have to pick his games, get him when we can. He certainly won't play any UEFA Cup games. The league is all important for us."