Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath is a source of inspiration for Tottenham's injury-plagued captain Ledley King.

"Obviously you do think about the consequences of playing with the injury, especially when you hear tales of how some former players have ended up," admitted King.

"But as yet I haven't been told by a doctor that I will have to stop for my long-term situation. So I intend to carry on as long as I can perform.

"I have come to learn a lot about McGrath. Given the injury I have I can see the comparison between us.

"I have just started reading his book and it is inspiring for me."