Tottenham

Russia coach Guus Hiddink insists that Tottenham striker Roman Pavyluchenko must start playing regular first-team football if he wants a place in the Dutchman's team. Hiddink says Pavlyuchenko's lack of match practice means he can only expect a bit-part role in Russia's World Cup play-off against Slovenia later this month. "I'm seriously concerned about his position at Spurs," said Hiddink. "Perhaps he should think about how he can get more playing time. But despite all his problems with match practice, Roman has special qualities: in almost every match he has one or two chances to score, and he often takes them. Therefore, we shouldn't exclude him from the national team completely. If the match against Slovenia is not going our way, Pavlyuchenko should get his chance." Hiddink watched Pavlyuchenko in training with his club last week but the striker remains behind Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in the pecking order. "Of course, it's not of my business to determine what Pavlyuchenko should do in the future," added Hiddink. "Maybe he still has a place at Tottenham but I certainly would like him to play more often."