Tottenham striker Roman Pavyluchenko has denied being dropped despite turning out for the clubs reserves team on Monday.

Pavyluchenko stayed on the bench throughout the entire match against Aston Villa on Sunday and says the reason for playing reserves on Monday was to get some extra match fitness.

"My friends told me about information about my dismissal to the reserves," Pavlyuchenko told Sport Express.

"It doesn't correspond to reality at all.

"I really played for the reserve team along with several players who didn't take part in the match with Aston Villa, and it was necessary to get playing practice.

"However, it doesn't mean that I will play in the reserves on a regular basis. I keep on training with the first team."