Russia boss Guus Hiddink is coy over Chelsea's interest in CSKA Moscow winger Yuri Zhirkov.

Asked if he had recommended the player to Blues owner Roman Abramovich, Hiddink smiled broadly before saying: "Let me not comment on it. I am here to deal with the affairs of the Russian national team.

"I've kept a good relationship with Chelsea. As for Yuri, I called him up for Russia, I am their head coach, and as for anything else except the national team - such as Chelsea or CSKA - it is not my intention to comment."

Hiddink added: "The difference between Russia and Chelsea is that Chelsea have many world-class stars who train hard to achieve their success.

"Russia players are also learning this abroad and are beginning to be recognised among the best players in Europe.

"They are learning that to be a top star in international football, they must work very hard in training and never complain."