Hiddink keeping options open

The welcome return of goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev from injury has left Russia coach Guus Hiddink spoilt for choice ahead of Saturday's key UEFA EURO 2008™ Group E qualifier in Israel.

'Top class'
Akinfeev featured for PFC CSKA Moskva for the first time in six months on 3 November following a knee injury, and has been recalled to a Russia squad already boasting the in-form Vladimir Gabulov, of FC Kuban Krasnodar, and FC Zenit St Petersburg's Vyacheslav Malafeev. "I'm very happy we have three top-class players in this position," Hiddink said. "Gabulov has one very important quality, he is never silent on the pitch. Malafeev fought his way back to become Zenit's No1 and his presence also improves the atmosphere in the squad. Akinfeev could also play but at the moment he is still finding his rhythm."

Competition
Akinfeev was Russia's undisputed No1 before injury, but the competition is now much greater. Malafeev saved a late penalty after coming on as a substitute against F.Y.R. Macedonia in September while Gabulov was superb in Russia's crucial 2-1 victory against England last month. "I understand all three are keen to play, but two will have to stay on the bench," Hiddink said. "The most important thing is they accept that in the right manner."

'Philosophical'
There should be no problem there. "I have learned to treat competition like this philosophically," said Malafeev who kept clean sheets in Zenit's final three league games to help Dick Advocaat's side clinch the title last Sunday. "It makes no difference who plays in these matches. The most important thing is the result. Personal ambitions should be pushed to one side."

Off form
Since his return Akinfeev has helped CSKA garner successive 1-0 league wins, but he conceded four in the defeat against FC Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Champions League on 7 November. Of the three keepers, his chances of playing in Israel appear slimmest. "I have to admit I'm not at my best," he said. "It's impossible to reach your peak in a month even if you train night and day non-stop. Whoever plays against Israel, the most important thing is to win and I mean that sincerely. The Israel game means everything to us now."

End in sight
Russian will almost certainly qualify from Group E should they defeat Israel on Saturday. The result would mean victory against Andorra in their final match would be sufficient to go through regardless of how England get on against section leaders Croatia on Wednesday.