Source: The London Paper

The injury-plagued defender is hopeful of playing more games this season as Terry Venables says the fitness of King is the key factor in whether Harry Redknapp’s side can achieve a top six Premier League finish

TOTTENHAM defender Ledley King has vowed to play as many games as humanly possible for the club this season.

King is still plagued by a persistent knee injury, which means he is unable to play more than one game a week.

The England defender has a special training schedule and only joins up with his team-mates for training the day before a game.

With Tottenham failing to reach the Europa League this season, King is confident that the reduced schedule will help his recovery and that he will able to play in the majority of league games for the club.

King said: "Personally, I'm aiming to play as many as I can.

"Obviously there's no Europa League this season for us so hopefully that will help me, and I'll get as many games as possible under my belt."

And former Tottenham manager Terry Venables believes the fitness of King is the key factor in whether Harry Redknapp’s side can achieve a top six finish.

The former Spurs boss said: "They have got more games out of him this year. Whenever he plays they [Tottenham] look like they are going to win the game.

"It’s a tragedy really. I have worked a little bit with Ledley and he is fantastic - a terrific player. It is a shame but nevertheless when he plays they [the team] feel they can win with him.”

Venables added: “The only other player I have known like it is Paul McGrath. He was another player that had injuries and he wouldn’t train. It’s like they are freak athletes - they don’t train but you can rely on them being the best players on the field every time they play.

"I have sympathy for him all the time as an individual. He always wants to play and it’s most difficult for him because he is that special. Let’s hope he can get more games. He is always a player to watch and I am a big, big fan."