Villas-Boas insists Lodygin is still his number one

Andre Villas-Boas insists Yuri Lodygin is still his number one goalkeeper at Zenit Saint Petersburg, despite leaving him out of the 2-1 win over Gent on Tuesday.

Debutant Mikhail Kerzhakov was preferred in goal for the Champions League clash, after a strong criticism of Lodygin's recent performances.

But former Chelsea and Porto coach Villas-Boas insists the 25-year-old Russia international is still his first choice between the posts.

"Changing the goalkeeper - it is a decision for the benefit of the team," he said in his post-match press conference.

"But we believe that he will be able to overcome his poor form and return to previous performance levels."

Villas-Boas was left thoroughly satisfied by his team's showing on Tuesday, with Oleg Shatov sealing a second consecutive win after Artem Dzyuba's opener was cancelled out by Thomas Matton to leave Zenit as Group H leaders.

"We had a fantastic match and fully deserved to win. We had a lot of chances. No problems there," he added.

"While it is difficult to talk about the prospects ahead of the next four matches, we are waiting for the Lyon game, after which it would be great to score nine points. 

"I do not think that this is impossible, we will try. If we manage to win the next game, we will have a very good position in the group."