Redknapp sets Pav target

20 May 2009 10:32
Harry Redknapp has challenged Roman Pavlyuchenko to break the 20-goal barrier next season. The Russia international has endured a difficult first year in England following a high-profile switch from Spartak Moscow last summer. He has displayed glimpses of the talent which persuaded Spurs to spend big on securing his services, but has looked off the pace too often. His last outing, against Manchester City on Saturday, saw him stomp down the tunnel after being substituted, but he insists that reaction was not directed at the club's management. "When the press interpreted my leaving the field after the substitution against Manchester City as a demonstration of dissatisfaction with the decision of the trainer I was honestly shocked," Pavlyuchenko told Sport Express. "I explained on the club's official website that the reaction was not to do with unhappiness at my substitution, but unhappiness at my own game." Pavlyuchenko insists the issue has now been laid to rest and has revealed that he is determined to repay Redknapp's faith in his ability in the 2009/10 campaign. "We had a very long chat. Redknapp explained that he understood that in such a long season, as this one has been for me, there will be dry spells," he added. "He made it clear that he has high hopes for me and said that next year I have to score 20 goals. "I answered the coach - 'no problem'."

Source: SKY_Sports