Major blow on Russian front as injury rules out Pavlyuchenko

THE bad news was all on the Russian front yesterday as Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was ruled out of Friday’s European Championship qualifier in Dublin.

Meanwhile, back in the Irish camp, although Richard Dunne sat out training in Malahide, Marco Tardelli insisted it was only to give the defender additional rest following his recent knee problems and 90 minutes of action for Aston Villa at the weekend.

Ireland’s assistant manager stressed the defender was “100%” certain to be fit for Friday.