Hiddink reluctant to urge Pavlyuchenko to quit Spurs

Russia coach Guus Hiddink is reluctant to publicly urge Roman Pavlyuchenko to quit Tottenham.

Hiddink recently visited Tottenham training and spoke to Harry Redknapp about Pavlyuchenko's future.

"Everyone knows the situation is far from ideal," said Hiddink. "Of course, Pavlyuchenko is not pleased that he's not playing. But this is England and in England you have to earn the right to play. Competing with (Jermain) Defoe, Robbie Keane and (Peter) Crouch is no joke.

"Yes, he has played in the League Cup, but he isn't getting constant match practice.

"Redknapp is pleased with Roman and believes he is talented player who has no pretensions as a professional. But in the English Premier League you have to constantly prove your class. The coach would like to see a more powerful competitive spirit from him.

"As for his future plans, you must ask Pavlyuchenko. I don't have the right to make the decision. He has a contract with the club. But it is important for Roman to play. If he doesn't play for club and country, he will surely lose his rhythm. Without it, he might be able to get through an ordinary game, but not a hard-fought match."