Russia coach Guus Hiddink will ignore Tottenham's pleas not to play their new £14million striker Roman Pavlyuchenko against Wales in Moscow on Wednesday.

Spurs wrote to the Russian FA asking for the former Spartak Moscow striker to be excused duty in the Lokomotiv Stadium because of an ankle injury.

But Hiddink insists that the 26-year-old will play against Wales in Russia's opening group four match.

"He must give everything for the national side," said Hiddink.

"Only after the match will he consider his obligations to Spurs.

"Spurs did send us a letter suggesting that he did not play. But our medical staff, and those from his previous club say he is healthy, and I must take that same view.

"It was a strong suggestion that we should leave him out, but if you fear injury you would never play anyone. Spurs are being over-concerned.

"There is always the fear of injury. People can fall down the steps. But you should not sign big players if you do not want them to play."