Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is set to boost Tottenham Hotspur's bid for fourth place in the Premier League by recovering from a leg injury to face Portsmouth next weekend.

The in-form 28-year-old Russia international lasted 36 minutes of the 2-1 victory at Stoke City, amid fears that he had suffered damage to his hamstring which would see him ruled out for several weeks.

He told the Daily Express:"At first there was suspicion of a tear and I was terribly upset because I've just started to play and could be out for a couple of weeks.

"On Sunday I visited specialists fearing the worst, but luckily this was not confirmed.

"In fact, I had a muscle spasm, after which you just have to rest for two or three days to avoid anything worse and I should be ready for Portsmouth."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email