TOTTENHAM FORWARD Roman Pavlyuchenko is to miss Russia’s crucial visit to the Aviva Stadium to play the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday night.

The striker was substituted at half-time during Spurs’ win over Aston Villa on Saturday after picking up an ankle injury, and will not make the trip. Ironically, Ireland captain Robbie Keane did not feature in the game, sitting out the entire 2-1 win on the bench.

“Last night we made a decision that Pavlyuchenko will not travel with the squad to Dublin,” said Russian manager Dick Advocaat.

The striker, who has scored four goals in eight games for Spurs this season, will also miss the second leg of Russia’s double-header, when the Russians visit Skopje to play an unfancied Macedonian side.

Zenit St Petersburg forward Alexander Bukharov will be called up to the squad in place of the injured forward.

The clash is a vital one for the Russians, who will need to regain lost ground in the Euro 2012 qualifying table after losing to Slovakia in Moscow last month. Ireland face the Slovaks away next week.

Slovakia and Ireland lead the group on six points apiece, while the Russians lie behind with three. The group also includes Andorra and Albania.