Russia's players have no problems with coach Guus Hiddink taking on the Chelsea job.

The Dutchman's attentions should not be too severely divided between now and May, with Russia facing only two qualifiers in that time.

Neither of those - against two of the lesser lights of international football, Azerbaijan on March 28 and Liechtenstein away on April 1 - clash with the Premier League programme.

The dual role is one he has already been backed to succeed in by Russia captain Sergey Semak.

Semak told TV station Russia Today: "He's taking extra responsibility on himself, but I don't think it will affect the Russian team."