Russia coach Guus Hiddink has dismissed Tottenham's injury concerns for their new striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. Spurs wrote to the Russian FA asking for the former Spartak Moscow striker to be excused international duty in the Lokomotiv stadium because of an ankle injury.

But Hiddink insists that the 26-year-old will play against Wales in Russia's opening group four match.

And he said: "He must give everything for the national side and only after the match will he consider his obligations to Spurs.

"Spurs did send us a letter suggesting that he did not play. But our medical staff, and those from his previous club say he is healthy, and I must take that same view."

He added: "It was a strong suggestion that we should leave him out, but if you fear injury you would never play anyone.

"If Spurs had a league game coming up and were worried about players being injured, nobody would ever play. Spurs are being over-concerned.

"There is always the fear of injury. People can fall down the steps! But you should not sign big players if you do not want them to play."

Spurs clearly wanted to make sure that their new man would be fit to make his debut against Aston Villa at Villa Park next Monday.

Hiddink has no intention of being swayed by the north London club but he said: "I know (Tottenham manager) Juande Ramos and I hope to visit Spurs in a short time to discuss things.

"Pavlyuchenko is fully recovered, he has trained all week and there has not been a single problem.

"Now he must give everything for the national team. There is always a danger of injury, but he must give everything to Russia now."