King puts contract talks on hold

Tottenham skipper Ledley King is prioritising his team's Premier League survival bid ahead of sorting out his contract.

The 28-year-old's current deal expires at the end of next season but negotiations have not started yet while Spurs look to secure safety. Boss Harry Redknapp has urged the club to "look after" King when his contract runs out, with the homegrown defender struggling to play matches in quick succession because of a chronic knee problem.

King said: "I'm not worried," he said. "To be honest I am just thinking about playing for the rest of the season and playing as many games as I can. That will take care of itself."

King's focus is on pushing his side further up the table.

His knee is described as "bone on bone" and the joint swells up after matches, but he has learned how to manage his condition.

It means he will probably miss the clash against Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane on Wednesday but may be ready for Sunderland at the weekend, depending on how he reacts to 120 minutes against Manchester United in the Carling Cup final.

Spurs are only two points above the relegation zone and King has urged his team-mates not to dwell on the defeat at Wembley, when they took United to penalties but lost after Jamie O'Hara had a spot-kick saved and David Bentley went wide.

"This can be a cruel game," King said. "It is down to us as players and team-mates to try and lift his spirits.

"I said to Jamie he was the one who put himself up there to miss. We win as a team and lose as a team. We are not picking anyone out."