My place is on the bench: Dzyuba

Moscow - Spartak Moscow striker Artem Dzyuba is resigned to a place on the bench for Russia’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal Friday.

The 6 foot 4 inch forward has been on the fringes of the national team for the last year but has only made one appearance so far, in the 1-1 draw against Greece last November.

“I understand that I’ve appeared here only recently. That’s why I’m unlikely to be in the starting team,” Dzyuba said after training at Luzhniki Stadium.

The 24-year-old was left out of Dick Advocaat’s Euro 2012 squad despite good late-season form.

He was recalled by Fabio Capello for the two September qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Israel but picked up an injury in training and had to watch his teammates win both games from the stands.

Dzyuba is thought to be Capello’s third-choice striker behind Alexander Kerzhakov and Alexander Kokorin, who started the 4-0 win over Israel. He also faces competition from Lokomotiv Moscow newcomer Maxim Grigoryev.

Dzyuba has one goal and five assists in the league for Spartak this season.

Russia and Portugal top Group F.