Roman Pavlyuchenko is set to get a rare start for Tottenham over the next week.
Redknapp urges Russian to seize opportunity
Roman Pavlyuchenko is set to get a rare start for Tottenham over the next week and Harry Redknapp has urged him to make the most of the opportunity.
The Russian striker has endured a miserable season at White Hart Lane and again voiced his frustration this week that he had not been allowed to leave during the January transfer window.
Tottenham had been prepared to listen to offers but there were none to satisfy chairman Daniel Levy, who instead agreed with Redknapp to loan Robbie Keane out to Celtic.
Pavlyuchenko would still be able to move to Lokomotiv Moscow as Russian clubs can buy players until mid-March, but Keane's departure left Redknapp needing back-up for his preferred attacking partnership of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch.
"I don't sell players, the chairman does. He would ask my opinion," explained Redknapp.
"We both agreed we'd let Robbie go so we are not in a position to sell him."
Fit again
Pavlyuchenko has returned to fitness following a short spell on the sidelines and is in the frame to feature against Wigan, Bolton and Everton over the next seven days.
"He's fit again after a groin injury," Redknapp said. "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 was quoted as saying this week that Redknapp was having a laugh at his expense by keeping him on the bench all the time.
Redknapp insists he would be happy to see the 28-year-old succeed but is not happy about the player speaking out on such matters.
"No-one wants to see him score goals more than me," said the manager. "If he scored eight to 10 between now and the end of the season no-one will be happier than me.
Difficult job
"I can't really say what I feel. 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."
