Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

• Nickname:Spurs
• Founded:1882
• Manager:André Villas-Boas

• Ground:White Hart Lane
• Capacity:36240

Pavlyuchenko ready to fight

15 Apr 2009 - 08:19:13

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Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has vowed to fight for his first-team place at White Hart Lane.

The 27-year-old Russia international has failed to hold down a consistent starting spot following his £14million arrival from Spartak Moscow last summer.

But, despite being in and out of the side under manager Harry Redknapp, the tall frontman has distanced himself from speculation surrounding a potential summer move from Spurs.

"When you are on the bench for five games in a row, when the press are getting to you, to come off the bench and score straight away is incredibly important," said Pavlyuchenko after scoring the winner as a substitute in the 1-0 weekend success over West Ham United.

"The goal will certainly give me strength for the battle for a place in the team.

"My belief that I would definitely get my chance encouraged me. I had to keep myself fit and in form so as not to miss it.

"I needed that goal like never before, even more so as it was the winner."