Hiddink warns Tottenham's Pavlyuchenko of Russia place

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has warned Roman Pavyluchenko he cannot expect a place in his team if he cannot get off the bench at Tottenham.

Hiddink says Pavlyuchenko's lack of match practice means he can only expect a bit-part role in Russia's World Cup play-off against Slovenia later this month.

Hiddink said: "I'm seriously concerned about his position at Tottenham and perhaps he should think about how he can get more playing time.

"But despite all his problems with match practice, Roman has special qualities: in almost every match he has one or two chances to score, and he often takes them.

"Therefore, we shouldn't exclude him from the national team completely. If the match against Slovenia is not going our way, Pavlyuchenko should get his chance."

The former Chelsea boss watched Pavlyuchenko in training with his club last week and had the chance to quiz Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

"Redknapp admits that Roma have talent,' said Hiddink. 'But he needs to work to see this talent. At Tottenham, Pavlyuchenko has very serious competitors: Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch.

"Of course, it's not of my business to determine what Pavlyuchenko should do in the future. Maybe he still has a place at Tottenham, but I certainly would like him to play more often."