King makes case for defence with partner Terry

LEDLEY KING insisted last night that he can forge a successful defensive partnership with John Terry despite not starting a match together for England for three years.

King’s chances of making the World Cup team have increased with skipper Rio Ferdinand forced to withdraw with a knee ligament injury.

The Tottenham defender’s long-standing knee problem means he has missed vital training sessions with Terry and has been confined to gym work for the majority of the time.

He has also not started for his country in tandem with Terry since the European Championship qualifier with Estonia in June 2007.

But King believes he can overcome the obstacles, which pale into insignificance compared with the fitness battles he has had in the past three years.

He said: “We are not going to have much time to do it – regardless of me training once or twice a week.

“But I have known John for a long time, he is a great communicator on the pitch, and that is what you need.

“He is an experienced player, as am I, and I wouldn’t see a problem if we’re needed to play together.

“If the communication is good within the back four, you have a good chance.

“I have also been playing long enough now to know my position. I try to keep an eye on the training and especially set-pieces which are important.

“If I do that, I’ll know where to be on the pitch.”

King admitted that this season had been difficult. “You start to wonder if you are going to make it or whether your time is running out. But I’ve never stopped believing and I finally got my reward.”

King admits he owes a debt to Fabio Capello for allowing him to replicate the regime he has employed at Tottenham to ensure he stays fit.

He said: “The medical team and the manager here have been great. They said to do the things I have been doing at Tottenham and not to change things too much.”