Boss Redknapp tips Ledley King for World Cup call-up

Posted Sunday, April 25, 2010 by BBC.com

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says Ledley King should be in England's World Cup squad despite the knee injury which restricts his ability to train.

After seeing him score in Spurs' 3-1 loss to Manchester United Redknapp said King could do a job for England if given the correct training programme.

"They'd need to take advice from our medical staff because if you didn't you would break him," said Redknapp.

"He can play every six days and there are six days between World Cup games."

King, 29, has won 19 England caps, but missed out on a place in the 2006 World Cup squad because of a broken foot.

His career has been blighted by a problem with his right knee which restricts his fitness regime to swimming and gym work, with minimal time on the training ground with team-mates.

He was last called up to the squad in March 2009, but with doubts over the fitness of first-choice central defenders Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, Redknapp said his man would be up to the task if called upon.

"He is so important. He makes a massive difference to us and a fantastic character to have around," he said.

"Imagine how good he would have been without the injury. He would have been unbelievable because he is at the top level now without training."