Redknapp rules out Pavlyuchenko exit

01 May 2009 13:58
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists Roman Pavlyuchenko has a "big future" at the club, despite considering a test of the Jermain Defoe-Robbie Keane partnership. [LNB] Defoe and Keane were seen as incompatible when they were playing under former Spurs boss Martin Jol as neither are tall, but Redknapp feels they can play together. [LNB] He also feels there is a place in his plans for Pavlyuchenko and said: "Roman's done well, I've been pleased with him. He's been unlucky with injuries but he came on against West Ham in his last game, scored the goal and was outstanding."[LNB] He added: "Then he got injured again with a back problem. I think when he's playing well, especially at home, he's been very good for us.[LNB] "There are certain aspects of his game he can improve on and there are things he needs to learn about the English game but technically he's fantastic.[LNB] "He's got great feet, he can shoot, great touch, and I think he has a big future at Tottenham.[LNB] "He has scored some great goals at home and his performances have been excellent so he will get better and better. He's realised that you have to put a shift in England and he worked his socks off against West Ham."[LNB] Keane has only scored three times in three months since his return from Liverpool but Redknapp explained: "Robbie's presence on and off the field is important." [LNB] Keane will lead the side out against West Brom, with Redknapp's men looking to stay in the hunt for a place in the Europa League next season. [LNB] "You want to qualify," Redknapp said. "Your pride tells you, when we were bottom earlier in the season, that it would be great to finish seventh. Fulham are in pole position, Manchester City and West Ham are there too."

Source: Eurosport