Harry Redknapp does not want to lose Roman Pavlyuchenko to another club in January after he fired Spurs to victory over Sunderland.
Spurs boss keen to keep hold of out-of-favour hitman
Harry Redknapp does not want to lose Roman Pavlyuchenko to another club in January after the Russian fired Tottenham to victory over Sunderland on Sunday.
Spurs failed to test visiting goalkeeper Keiren Westwood in a dull first half at White Hart Lane, but they sprung to life just after the hour when substitute Pavlyuchenko latched on to Rafael van der Vaart's reverse pass and fired home a powerful low drive.
It was an exquisite finish from the 30-year-old, but he would not have even been on the pitch had it not been for the suspected hamstring tear which caused Aaron Lennon to be brought off in the first half.
Indeed, the striker may not have been in the Spurs matchday squad had Jermain Defoe not been ruled out prior to kick-off with a hamstring problem.
Pavlyuchenko has voiced his desire to leave North London on a number of occasions this season after the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor and the form of Van der Vaart saw him drop down Redknapp's pecking order.
Talent
The manager admits he may struggle to keep Pavlyuchenko happy, but insists he will try to hang on to the Russian if he can.
"He's a fantastic player. He's got real talent. He's got great ability, I think. He's got a good left foot, a good right foot and is a great finisher," said Redknapp.
"He's top drawer, but he's just been unlucky. He didn't start the season great. He hasn't really shown the form that he's capable of so he's slipped down the pecking order a bit.
"It's difficult. Some people are going to be upset they're not in the team.
"Today I lost a wide man, but I thought I'd change it and if you want someone to score he's always likely to. I want to keep all four (strikers). You need them all."
