Tottenham’s Roman Pavlyuchenko after hat-trick for Russia against Armenia: ‘I’ve still got it’

Roman Pavlyuchenko of Russia (PA)

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Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was pleased to make the most of his opportunity as he netted a hat-trick in his country’s 3-1 win over Armenia in a Euro 2012 qualifier that puts Dick Advocaat’s men top of Group B for the time being.

The Tottenham striker has been in and out of favour with both his club and country sides, but beleives he has proved his worth after the treble.

“I was given a chance today and I took it. I proved to everyone – professionals, journalists – that I still have it. I did not lose heart but I worked and I stepped up,” he told Sport Express.

“I also showed what I am not – poor and lazy. I scored goals and brought the team the three points.”

It was the Spurs striker’s first hat-trick for his country, having scored his last treble for Spartak Moscow against Rubin Kazan. His goals ensured that the Russians came from a goal behind to win the encounter.

“We did not expect Armenia to score the first goal but they have a good team. They hit us on the counter attack. Maybe that is the way it was meant to be – to concede and then score three and go on to win”

Pavlyuchenko had been out of favour with the national team but he was given a chance due to the injury to Zenit striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

“It is difficult to say if I would have played anyway or not. I was in a good mood before the game. I was eager to play and score. All three goals were as memorable as each other.”