Jamie Redknapp hung up his boots and became a pundit three years ago after a succession of fitness problems, meaning the midfielder was limited to 17 England caps.

King's knee swells up after playing and normally limits him to a game a week, but Spurs boss Redknapp feels he is good enough to play whenever he is fit.

Redknapp hopes the centre-back will be ready for Monday's Barclays Premier League clash at West Ham.

"He has assured me that I still have an important part to play and obviously Jamie, who I played with, had similar problems so I think Harry understands and respects the way that we're working together to get me out on the pitch as much as possible," King said.

"I've had a lot of injury setbacks throughout my career. I think it's helped to make me a stronger person.

"I'd be lying if I said it didn't affect me - I want to play football and it's been tough away from the training ground. It's sometimes going to affect your life when you just want to do the thing you love."

Redknapp's arrival at the end of October has led to eight wins in 11 games - but Spurs are still at the wrong end of the table and King has told his team-mates they are in the middle of a relegation dogfight.

He told Setanta's Friday Football Show: "I think the table's there for all to see. We've been on a good run but we still don't seem to have climbed too many places.

"That's the way this season's going to be. It's going to be very tight. One defeat and you're overtaken by a few clubs."

There is still uncertainty over what reception Redknapp will get when he returns to Upton Park, as Spurs and West Ham fans are bitter rivals.

Redknapp brought through young talent such as Joe Cole, recruited Paolo di Canio and stabilised a yo-yo club - and now his man-management skills are benefiting Spurs.

King added: "He's come in and put his arm around certain players and told them what he wants, what he expects from them.

"The confidence in the players shot up straight away and that's showed on the pitch.

"He trusts the players to do the right thing and to look after themselves. The trust is there to prepare ourselves.

"It's more relaxed - not to take anything away from the last manager who's done brilliantly for us - having an English manager around has probably made things a lot more relaxed around the place."

Redknapp kept faith in goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and the result has been three polished performances, and the Brazilian is now setting his sights on the Champions League when the club start climbing the table.

"When I played against Tottenham in the UEFA Cup, I thought 'this team should be competing in the Champions League'," he said. "I believe I can help the team gain points and fight for that Champions League place.

"I don't think this has changed since I came over. I believe in my talent and I will improve to help the team reach their goals."