Bystrov arrival bolsters Anji options
Monday, January 27, 2014
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FC Anji Makhachkala have steeled themselves for a relegation fight by taking Russian international winger Vladimir Bystrov on loan from FC Zenit until the end of the season.
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FC Anji Makhachkala have added experience to their squad with the UEFA Europa League contenders taking FC Zenit winger Vladimir Bystrov on loan until the end of the season.
The 29-year-old joins Zenit club-mate Aleksandr Bukharov at the Dagestan outfit, who sit bottom of the Russian Premier League. "I am flying to Turkey on Tuesday to join Anji," said Bystrov. "I am happy [Zenit] finally let me go and I will be able to play on loan. My major task now is to get playing practice and help Anji stay in the top flight." Bystrov made 15 league appearances for the St Petersburg club this season, starting five times, and made three outings in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
After starting his career at Zenit, the Russian international, capped 47 times, left for FC Spartak Moskva in 2005 before returning to the Sine-Belo-Golubye in 2009, winning two Russian titles in his second spell. Anji host KRC Genk in the first leg of their round of 32 tie on 20 February before the return in Belgium on 27 February.
Anji have also landed FC Dinamo Moskva forward Fedor Smolov on loan for a second time until the season's close. The 23-year-old, who has registered twice in five appearances for Russia, is yet to find the net this term.
