Jonathan Woodgate was full of praise for Roman Pavlyuchenko after Tottenham's FA Cup victory over Wigan last night. Victory against Steve Bruce's men came courtesy of two goals from knockout specialist Pavlyuchenko, who has also scored in every round of the Carling Cup, and Luka Modric's diving header.

Wigan, who have never beaten Spurs, had cause to complain about Modric's effort as Maynor Figueroa was injured in the build-up before the playmaker scored his third goal in five appearances.

Henri Camara pulled a goal back for the visitors with three minutes left to give them brief hope but Tottenham avoided the replay they were dreading that would stretch their thin squad.

Jonathan Woodgate saluted Pavlyuchenko's display after the match.

"He's done really well. It's been hard for him because the season has fallen straight through from the Russian one," Woodgate told Setanta Sports 1.

"He's playing well and scoring goals and I hope it continues.

"He has a smile on his face and he's starting to learn the language and it's important for him he does that. He's a happy-go-lucky lad."