Former Tottenham captain Ledley King says West Ham youngster Ben Johnson's future can be at centre-half.

Johnson has nailed down a spot in David Moyes' first-team this term, proving reliable in a number of positions.

King told The Sun ahead of a Masters football event in association with Bookmakers.com: "What I do like about Ben is that he is a footballer, first and foremost, which means he is able to play in different positions.

"And in a way I started off a little bit like that.

"In my first game I got brought on at left-back and then [Glenn Hoddle] started playing me in midfield - but I always knew I was a defender.

"Ben's versatile, good with both feet, has good balance and he's a good size.

"In the modern game, especially in a back three, he could be one of the centre-backs.

"There's probably fewer aerial duels now than there was 15-20 years ago, you don't have to be quite as big and physical so he can definitely do that.

"He's improving each season. West Ham again have had a good season.

"They've done well at combining the league and Europa League this season, which isn't easy.

"Ben is establishing himself in the first-team which is good to see."