COMPETITION for a place in the Spurs defence is hotter now that Ledley King has made his latest come-back.

King marked his return in the 2-0 win over West Ham, on Bank Holiday Monday.

Now he is working alongside Michael Dawson, and also competing with him for a place in Harry Redknapp’s first team.

King acknowledged the challenge when he praised Dawson for making the centre-back spot “his own.”

“Daws (Dawson) has always been brilliant whenever he's called upon and never lets you down.

“I've played with him for a number of years now so I know the quality he has” said King Dawson said he relishes the task of keeping his place, as next Year’s World Cup looms.

“There's good competition for places at the back at the moment, especially with Ledley returning.”

"That can only be good for the team as a whole because everyone has got to be at their best to stay in the team” said Dawson.

"There are four good centre-halves at the Club so when I came back from injury I knew I had to work hard and when my chance came I knew I had to take it.”