Russia boss Guus Hiddink will ignore Tottenham's plea not to risk striker Roman Pavlyuchenko in their World Cup qualifier against Wales tomorrow.

Spurs wrote to the Russian FA asking for the £13.8million signing to be excused international duty because of an ankle injury.

But Hiddink said: "He must give everything for the national side and only after the match will he consider his obligations to Spurs.

"They did send us a letter suggesting that he did not play. But our medical staff, and those from his previous club, say he is healthy and I must take that same view."

"If Spurs had a league game coming up and were worried about players being injured, nobody would ever play. Spurs are being over-concerned.

"There is always the fear of injury. People can fall down the steps! But you should not sign big players if you do not want them to play."

Spurs clearly wanted to make sure that their new man would be fit to make his debut against Aston Villa at Villa Park next Monday.

Meanwhile, Spurs assistant boss Gus Poyet is still believed to be the No1 target for Newcastle to replace the departed Kevin Keegan as manager.