Russia coach Guus Hiddink feels that his striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is in better condition since last week, both physically as well as mentally and is ready for the Euro 2008.

With both Andrei Arshavin and Pavel Pobrenyak ruled out due to injury, Pavlyuchenko will take on additional striker duies.

Pavlyuchenko had be warned by Hiddink that if he didn’t work hard enough, he may not even make the squad. However, the two week training camp has left the striker fitter and sharper.

Hiddink said, "His progress has been tremendous... There was some criticism coming into the tournament. We made him a little bit more aware, that sometimes you have to do a little bit more and make some effort to be competitive"

The 26 year old striker, who scored the 2 famous goals against England, has been called the sleeping giant by Hiddink. The striker has a huge task on his hands, having to fulfill the role of the UEFA Cup top scorer, the injured Pavel Pogrebnyak.

But he has the support of his team mates, especially CSKA Moscow goal keeper Igor Akinfeev. "The worst has happened - Pogrebnyak will not be able to help us at this tournament. Yet we have players who are able to replace Pavel and who will do all it takes. They get a unique chance." said the young goalkeeper.

Russia were drawn in group D, along with Sweden, Greece and Spain.