New Zealand’s Ryan Nelsen throws plastic cups onto the pitch after their 2010 World Cup Group F football match against Paraguay at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on June 24, 2010. — Reuters pic

The 34-year-old was released from his contract with Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, having missed most of the season with a knee injury.

Nelsen, who made more than 150 appearances for Blackburn and captained his country at the 2010 World Cup finals, will provide defensive cover for Tottenham who loaned Sebastien Bassong to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.

Tottenham, who are third in the Premier League, have Younes Kaboul, Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Willam Gallas as their senior central defenders, although King is often unable to train because of a knee condition. — Reuters