Spurs became the first team to qualify for the fourth round of the competition thanks to two second-half goals from Pavlyuchenko and one from Luka Modric.

Modric doubled Spurs' advantage in the 72nd-minute after Pavlyuchenko's opener. Henri Camara netted a consolation for Wigan in the dying minutes.

Pavlyuchenko then struck in injury time to seal the win and Woodgate hailed the Russian's attitude.

"He's done really well. It's been hard for him because the season has fallen straight through from the Russian one," Woodgate told Setanta Sports 1.

"He's playing well and scoring goals and I hope it continues.

"He has a smile on his face and he's starting to learn the language and it's important for him he does that. He's a happy-go-lucky lad.

"Towards the end they piled the pressure on and we are not not happy at conceding a late goal but we kept going and we are in the next round," he added.

Spurs have been linked with a number of players now that the transfer window has re-opened and Woodgate admitted the squad needs improving if they are to climb the Barclays Premier League.

"You have to keep on buying as a club. We are not different to the rest of the league," he said.

"We want to stay in the league. At the moment we are in relegation battle and we all know that, so if we beef up the squad then the more the better.

"We need competition. There's nothing better than when you are fighting for your place. If we get a few in that will help as well."

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Wigan boss Steve Bruce admitted the busy festive period had taken its toll on his squad after the match.

"We made a couple of mistakes so I'm hopeful that we can have a few back for our next league game (against Tottenham) in 10 days' time and have a go at them then.

"Without (injured strikers Amr) Zaki and (Emile) Heskey we just didn't have enough firepower. It would have been nice to have the full artillery tonight so I hope they are back and we have a full team next time.

"The Christmas period has taken its toll and a club like ours can't afford to have four, five out. It's not good for us. Even the ones that came on played well though."

He added that it would take a "really substantial" offer to tempt him to part with Zaki and Heskey.

"We haven't had any offers for them just yet and I hope we don't get any. I have the backing of the chairman on the whole thing," said Bruce.

"Unless we have a really substantial offer they won't go. The last thing we want is to be dismantling the squad we are putting together.

"We are having a really good time in the league at the moment. I'll do my utmost to keep the squad I have in tact."

Asked whether he would consider bringing anyone in during January, Bruce said: "Maybe I'll add a couple. I'd be delighted but it's a difficult time, prices get inflated and you can get stung by people, especially if they are good players."

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Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted he still wants to sign Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe despite seeing his team put three past their opposition tonight.

"Fraizer Campbell did well when he came on for Darren Bent but they are they are the only two recognised strikers on our books so it's a problem," he said.

He confirmed the club have made a bid for Pompey frontman Defoe but said he would not be held to ransom over a transfer fee.

"The chairman had a meeting with (Portsmouth executive chairman) Peter Storrie and I don't think they could come to an agreement on what he's worth or what we should pay for him," Redknapp said.

"I think the chairman has made an offer and if it's not enough then we'll move elsewhere.

"The crowd would like him, we'd all like him but he belongs to Portsmouth. If they want to keep him, it's up to them. It's their decision.

"I have a couple of fantastic options but if we can get the people we want then we will be strong."