Gunter hails 'remarkable' King

Tottenham youngster Chris Gunter believes club-mate Ledley King would be among the best defenders in the world if it were not for his knee problem.

King pulled out of the England squad on Tuesday after being surprisingly selected despite being unable to train due to a long-standing knee complaint.

Gunter, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, sympathised with his Spurs colleague, and said: "If he didn't have a problem he would be one of the best in the world."

He added: "People say that he does not train during the week, and that is right. He comes in on a Friday and turns in great performances every Saturday.

"For him to get through extra time in the Carling Cup final says it all about his courage and ability.

"You don't see too much of him. He works with the physios a lot. He knows the condition of his knee, but he still manages to put in great performances.

"He has great respect from the other players at Spurs. If he is fit, he plays. There cannot be many who cannot train all week and then get through 90 minutes at the top level week after week, it is remarkable."

Gunter insists he has been assured that he still has a big future at Spurs. The 19-year-old has been farmed out on loan at Forest, but is confident he can resurrect his White Hart Lane career next season.

He said: "I did get frustrated. But there are times I have been sitting on the bench at Spurs and looking around at players who have played 200 plus games in the Premier League. And they are not happy either.

"I have been told I will be part of what is happening at Spurs in the future."