Pavlyuchenko to get rare start

Posted Saturday, February 20, 2010 by PA

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to give Roman Pavlyuchenko a rare start over the next week despite a rift with the Russia striker over a potential move to Lokomotiv Moscow.

With Lokomotiv claiming Redknapp blocked their move for Pavlyuchenko, the 28-year-old was then quoted accusing his manager of having a laugh at his expense.

But Redknapp said; "He's fit again after a groin injury. We have three games this week and there is every chance he'll start one of those games at least, he's back in the frame."

Pavlyuchenko is in the squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Wigan, then he is in the frame to feature against Bolton in the FA Cup replay against Bolton on Wednesday.

Redknapp added: "No-one wants to see him score goals more than me. If he scored eight to 10 between now and the end of the season no-one will be happier than me."

However, Redknapp is clearly unhappy with his striker speaking out about his lack of first-team football.

"I can't really say what I feel," he said. "It's a difficult job I've got so I'll get on with it. If he wants to say stuff it's up to him.

"The only way he proves it is by coming in every day and working hard, showing he wants to play for the club. It's up to him. As a manager my hands are tied.

"He doesn't speak much English so it's difficult to speak to him about it.

"I'll pick him when I think he deserves to be picked and leave him out when he deserves to be left out - that is what I get paid to do and if I make the wrong decisions I'll take the blame."