Pleats ignores King's plea

14 April 2012

David Pleat has told Ledley King he will be back in the Tottenham midfield for the Premiership visit of Leicester on Sunday.

King was England's hero at the heart of the defence in Portugal on Wednesday, scoring the goal for Sven-Goran Eriksson's team in the 1-1 draw.

King has been the anchor in the Spurs midfield this season, and caretaker Pleat sees his future in that position.

'Ledley is our midfield player,' said Pleat bluntly.

'Sometimes you can be a victim of being a utility player - and I don't see Ledley as one - but if you are a very good player then you can play in several positions.

'The best players were those like John Charles. Patrick Vieira could play centre-back and he would walk it because he has so much energy, ability and two good feet - and that's what King has.

'Sometimes a player should be maximised, and Roy Keane is a perfect example. He has played at centre-half when he's had to and he can walk into that position.

'Ledley is a very fine player who has had a regular position at Tottenham and he can play in several positions.

'In fact, the best performances he gave here a couple of seasons ago were at left-back.

'Ledley has scored in two of our last three games and is getting more goal conscious now. He has been getting more shots on goal and is not just an anchor man or a holding player, he is blossoming as a footballer.'

Pleat added: 'I had a long chat with him this morning and we discussed the normal things, and the England experience will be good for him.'

Meanwhile, Fredi Kanoute is back in the squad for after returning from African Nations Cup duty with Mali.

However, the striker will almost certainly have to be content with a place on the bench after new signing Jermain Defoe - his former West Ham colleague - scored in each of his first two games and will continue alongside Robbie Keane.

Darren Anderton is available again after injury and suspension, while Christian Ziege is also fit again and Simon Davies faces a late test.

Skipper Jamie Redknapp is short of match fitness while Anthony Gardner and Helder Postiga are still ruled out with hamstring problems.

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