Harry Redknapp has admitted that Ledley King rarely trains properly for Tottenham as the Spurs boss continues to wait on the defender’s fitness, ahead of Sunday’s Carling Cup final.
Centre back King has played a very limited but often highly-important role for the club in recent times as he continues to battle persistent knee problems.
When present King adds an experienced confidence to Spurs’ back four, but the inconsistency of his participation has meant a frequently-changed line-up across the rear for Redknapp’s side.
And as the Spurs boss waits until nearer the 3pm kick off at Wembley against Manchester United on Sunday he has conceded that King rarely completes a full week’s programme of training.
“Ledley played on Monday at Hull and was excellent for us,” said Redknapp.
“It’s always a case with Ledley of wait and see how he recovers after a game, that’s the problem.
“He doesn’t train really from Monday to Friday in all honesty. He comes out the day before a game, has a loosener and then pitches up and plays – that’s how it is.
“I’ll have to have a look at him and see how he is.”
It is testament to how crucial Redknapp regards King that he is prepared to wait until the last minute to assess the 28-year-old’s availability.
“He’s a massively important player for us,” continued Redknapp. “We’re very lucky in this country to have some magnificent centre halves, and Ledley is a fantastic player and a great athlete.
“It’s amazing that a man can not train all week and then come out and play. He’s just a one-off. It’s beyond belief how he can not train and then come out and turn in the type of performances he does.”
Another player whose participation in Sunday’s game is being speculated upon is that of Jamie O’Hara.
The midfielder famously missed out on last year’s triumph over Chelsea, an omission that led to tears from the 22-year-old.
After recovering from a groin injury to impress in Spurs’ Uefa Cup last 32 second-leg 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday evening, Redknapp has admitted O’Hara has forced his way into serious contention for Sunday.
“Jamie played last night and was tremendous,” said Redknapp. “He is so desperate to be a part of the team and play and be a part of the squad.
“He missed out last year and he was distraught really. He’s pushed himself and pushed himself and came out last night and was outstanding, I thought, against Shakhtar. He’s put himself right back in my mind again.
“He’s a good player and he’s a fantastic boy, the type of lad you want at any football club. So he’s very much in my mind again for Sunday.”