Tottenham's plea's to the Russian Football Association not to risk new striker Roman Pavlyuchenko for their World Cup qualifier against Wales on Wednesday have fallen on deaf ears after boss Guus Hiddink confirmed the 26-year-old would play.

Spurs had written to the Russian FA asking for Pavlyuchenko to be excused from the match after arriving at White Hart Lane with an ankle problem. But Hiddink has rebuffed their request and insisted that Pavlyuchenko was fit to play.

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

"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, who are struggling badly up front following the loss of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United, are desperate to have Pavlyuchenko available for their weekend clash with Aston Villa and had hoped he would be given an extra few days rest.

But Hiddink has taken a hard line and revealed that he would be talking to manager Juande Ramos about the situation.

"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."

[Guardian-Series]

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