Yuri Zhirkov focused on Russia's match against Finland

With CSKA Moskva's Yuri Zhirkov quickly emerging as one of Russia's brightest young stars, the faithful around Luzhniki fret whether they'll be chanting “Zhirkov” for much longer. The play-maker extraordinaire has been linked to Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and most recently, Barcelona.

Hopeful that he'll continue to grace CSKA's lineup but the deeply patriotic Russian international might not be so inclined to make the move unless he is confident of a spot in the starting eleven. Speaking to Russian media giant Sports Express he noted that with regards to a possible move to London, "I know no more about it that any other people." Equally young Mr Zhirkov is very focused on CSKA's Champions League efforts, noting that his side will be in the Champions League this year.

However at present his focus is squarely on Russia's World Cup qualifying match against Finland next Wednesday stating, "now I am preparing for the coming match in Finland and try not filling my head with other things."

Vágner Love strikes for three as CSKA Moscow is perfect

CSKA Moscow completed its perfect run of four victories in the group stage of the UEFA Cup defeating Ligue 1 side AS Nancy-Lorraine 4-3 with Vágner Love accounting for three goals. While the match in northern France was plagued with torrential rain, both sides showed a resolve to attack. Veteran Monsef Zerka gave the home side an improbable lead only five minutes in beating Russian international 'keeper Igor Akinfeev to the inside post. After narrowly missing a header off Yuri Zhirkov's cross a few minutes later, Vágner Love's stunning three-goal effort started as he leveled the match at the twenty-third minute with a powerhouse drive from just over twenty meters. Three minutes past the half-hour mark Koni took the lead as Ramón received Yuri Zhirkov's perfect pass, to which the former Corinthians-man drove to the back of the net. The Vágner Love show continued just past the hour as he collected Turkish capped Caner Erkin's pass and made it 3-1. In a highly uncharacteristic display, CSKA started their holidays, stopped defending and gave up two late goals. Julien Féret brought Nancy within one with eighteen minutes remaining as he accepted a well weighted through ball from Monsef Zerka before tucking the ball in. Up and comer Basile Camerling threw the home fans into delirium as he equalized the match with eleven minutes but once again Vágner Love came to the rescue. With two minutes remaining he gave CSKA the remarkable victory with another blazing strike from twenty-two meters.

CSKA begins its holiday now with the domestic league complete. They will return in February in the next round with a number of possible lineup changes.