All
Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen could make his debut for Tottenham Hotspur
next week after completing his move to the English Premier League soccer
heavyweights.
The 34-year-old's transfer to the London club was finalised on Thursday after international clearance was received.
The club confirmed the move on its website.
Spurs
assistant manager Kevin Bond said Nelsen, who has been recovering from a
long-term knee injury, would be in the squad to face Liverpool on
Tuesday morning (NZT).
"He is fit and eligible to play on Monday," Bond told reporters.
"I've just had a cup of tea with him in the canteen. He is looking forward to the challenge."
Bond said Nelsen and fellow new arrival, 33-year-old striker Louis Saha, would be useful additions for the club.
"I think that experience and that know-how of having been there before is important," he said.
"They
are the right characters. Having those type of characters in the
dressing room and the training ground will be really important for us.
"The type of people they are, I think they can make an important difference."
Images of Nelsen at Spurs' training ground appeared on its website and he will wear number 33 on his playing strip.
Nelsen,
who spent seven years at Blackburn Rovers before being released by the
club, has played only once in the Premier League since April.
But he played in a reserve game during the week and said his knee was feeling good although he was lacking match fitness.
Nelsen captained the All Whites during their unbeaten run at the 2010 World Cup and played over 170 games for Blackburn.
His deal is understood to be for six months initially with an option for a one-year contract.
NZN