Esteghlal experience beneficial says Khaydarov

AFC – TASHKENT, Pakhtakor boss Ravshan Khaydarov believes the defeat to Esteghlal in Tehran two weeks ago is another vital step in his young side’s development as they again prepare to face the Iranians with their 2011 AFC Champions League future on the line.

The perennial AFC Champions League participants have struggled this time around and have just a point to their name at the halfway stage of Group B after they were on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline at the Azadi Stadium two weeks ago.

Anything less than victory at Pakhtakor Stadium on Tuesday would make it very difficult for the Uzbeks to reach the last 16 but regardless of the final outcome of their 2011 campaign, Khaydarov feels their experiences in the continental competition can only prove beneficial for the Tashkent club’s future.

“We are waiting for an important game,“ he said.

“We must win tomorrow to please the fans. I think that our players can do it.

“Defeat in Tehran could have a positive impact on the process of the team growing. Young players have a lack of experience and they gain more with every game. They grow up before our eyes.

“The only pity is that we are losing points at the same time and yet, over time, experience gained will bear fruit.”

Khaydarov will be without Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov due to suspension while 19-year-old keeper Nikita Rybkin has featured in place of Temur Juraev in recent domestic league games with the latter having suffered through some recent indifferent form although the experienced stopper is also carrying a knock.

However, forward Sanat Shikhov will play through the pain of an arm injury to line up against Esteghlal.

“Except Abdukholiqov, all other field players are preparing for the match,” added Khaydarov.

“Even Sanat Shikhov is ready to enter the field with a bandage on his arm, if necessary.”

Esteghlal boss Parviz Mazloomi, meanwhile, is targeting a double over Pakhtakor to boost their pursuit of a place in the last 16. They currently have four points, level with Al Nassr but three behind group leaders Al Sadd.

‘In Tehran, we played a beautiful game and won. I hope that tomorrow we will be able to repeat the result,” he said.

“Pakhtakor are a very strong team and yet, we intend to play to win, which could guarantee us access to the next round.

We have a small problem with the make-up of our team but I believe that we are generally in good shape.”