Arshavin ready to shine at Euro 2012

Published: 09 Oct 2011 - 01:35:35

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Russia skipper Andrei Arshavin is determined to shine at the Euro 2012 finals and put his critics, who insisted that his heart wasn't with the national team, firmly in their place.

Russia defeated Slovakia 1-0 on Friday and now just need to avoid defeat against whipping boys Andorra on Tuesday to secure their place in the finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Arsenal star Arshavin recently experienced a rocky period of his career when he was repeatedly criticised for his performances both with the national team and his club side.

However, he has shrugged off the criticism to confirm his status on both fronts.

"He had a good start to the new season," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "He showed his worth clearly in the Premier League matches and the Champions League games.

"There's a big difference between Arshavin's image and his real nature. He often produces an impression of being a careless person. But he works really hard and conscientiously at training. He is a 100-percent professional football player."

Arshavin made his debut appearance in the Russian national squad on May 17, 2002 in a match against Belarus. His first international goal came in a friendly against Romania on February 13, 2003.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink appointed Arshavin as skipper on June 11, 2009, and his choice was confirmed by his successor Dick Advocaat, who had also coached Arshavin at Zenit St Petersburg.

Last year Arshavin found himself on the receiving end of a heavy wave of criticism from the Russian press who claimed he lacked enthusiasm with the national side.

But this year, the 30-year-old has experienced a revival, providing the spark for a team which is within sight of the Euro 2012 finals.

He will have a point to prove after he was unable to play in the first two Euro 2008 matches as he served a suspension for a costly flash of temper in the final qualifier against Andorra when he was sent off for kicking an opponent.

Next summer, he will play from the start as Russia, semi-finalists in 2008, look to reach their first major final since the Soviets were defeated by Holland in the 1988 edition.