Afternoon:
10°c
Spurs' Pav plea will fall on deaf ears
Evening Standard 9 Sep 2008Russia 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.
Reader views (2)
Surely Spurs realised that signing a Russian international meant he will be playing for his national side! I cant believe the circus at White Hart Lane - best players gone & inadequately replaced. All they need now is for the excellent Gus Poyet to depart for Newcastle!
- Rob Gooner, North London, 10/09/2008 12:28
Report abuse
Okay, perhaps I'm not much of a nationalist by saying this: nevertheless,who can blame clubs, the folks who pay the freight, players' salaries etc. for fearing they may lose a player, perhaps for the season in an international match. This is a bone-of-contention with many clubs paying out ransom-like salaries to today's footballers.
- Ric, Toronto, Canada, 10/09/2008 00:33
Report abuse
