Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has pressed Ledley King's claims for a World Cup squad berth as a specialist back-up for England's first choice central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

GettyImagesEyes on the prize: Ledley King is chasing a World Cup spot

King's hopes of reaching South Africa would appear to be hindered by a chronic knee condition that prevents him playing in back-to-back matches in a short space of time. England hope to play seven matches in a month on their way to the World Cup final.

But Redknapp insists he would be just the quality replacement Fabio Capello would want to call upon in a one-off scenario such as if a Terry or a Ferdinand gets suspended for a key match.

Capello is an admirer of King and recalled the 29-year-old last season but the knee injury led to him returning to Spurs on that occasion. King has never announced his retirement from international football and his club manager believes he would be perfect cover for Capello's first-choice pairing.

"You'd take him to the World Cup all day long, he's that good,'' Redknapp said. "He's special, that's why when he's fit I play him. He's desperate to play for England and he'd love to go to the World Cup. I think he could go, if you need him he's there. If you lose Terry or you lose Rio, you know he's going to come in and do a job for you.

"He'd be available; you're not going to weaken your team. If you're in a semi-final and you have a suspension you can bring him in, he's a fantastic player.''

King has taken the captain's armband at Spurs following Robbie Keane's loan to Celtic, but he will be rested against Wolves on Wednesday so Michael Dawson will lead the team out.

Redknapp argues that the role of a captain is overstated and players lead by example, which will be the case when Ferdinand takes over from Terry as England skipper. Redknapp still texted Ferdinand when he got the captaincy to wish him good luck and tell him to emulate World Cup-winning skipper Bobby Moore.

Redknapp added: "John Terry will still be leading from the front and Rio will as well. John Terry, Rio, Stevie Gerrard, they're all leaders.''