Redknapp demands more from goal-hero Pavlyuchenko

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp warned unsettled striker Roman Pavlyuchenko that his two-goal blast in his side’s 3-0 win at Wigan will mean nothing unless he gets down to some hard work.

Pavlyuchenko had attacked Redknapp in the Russian media last week in a rant which included the claims that his boss treated him as a joke and had gone back on his promise to play him more often.

But the Russian international, who had looked set to return to his homeland with Lokomotiv Moscow last month, was given a chance to do his talking on the pitch on Sunday when Redknapp sent him on as a late substitute and he responded with his first league goals of the season.

With Jermain Defoe also on target, Tottenham moved above Manchester City and Liverpool into fourth place in the Premier League table and now hold the lucrative final Champions League spot.

Redknapp believes Pavlyuchenko can play a big part in Tottenham’s push to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition – if he works hard in every match.

“They (the fans) love him. He has got ability and, when he wants to play and wants to work, he’s great,” Redknapp said.

“It was a great performance from us. I was really pleased with the attitude we showed.”

Defoe made the breakthrough in the 27th minute with his 22nd goal of the season, but the England striker looked to be in an offside position at the back post when Gareth Bale crossed.

Redknapp added: “I won’t sleep tonight! It doesn’t bother me at all. Sometime you get them, sometimes you don’t.”

Tottenham were clinging onto their lead when Pavlyuchenko was introduced for Defoe in the 73rd minute.

The Russian struck in the 85th minute from Luka Modric’s pass and then completed the win in stoppage time when he beat goalkeeper Chris Kirkland at the second attempt.

Redknapp’s only regret after Tottenham’s second league win in seven matches was a torn muscle that forced captain Ledley King to come off in the second half.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was furious with referee Alan Wiley, claiming he should have disallowed Defoe’s goal and sent off the striker for a challenge on Gary Caldwell.

He also insisted Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone should have been given his marching orders.

Martinez said: “We knew the first goal was going to be paramount. It should have been disallowed.

“It is hard to explain. He is one and half yards offside and the linesman has no one in his vision. A goal then changes the game.

“Defoe and Huddlestone did enough to be sent off. The challenges are very straightforward. Defoe has both feet off the ground and it is clearly a red card.

“Huddlestone has already been booked for one challenge and the next one is also worthy of another yellow.

“I do not like to be critical of the referee but it is hard to explain his performance.”