Paulinho says World Cup spot not threatened

Brazil midfielder Paulinho insists a lack of first-team football with English football club Tottenham Hotspur will not affect his FIFA World Cup selection chance.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Luiz Felipe Scolari's team that won the Confederations Cup last year with his tight marking and appetite for goal, reports Xinhua.

After his 17 million-pound signing from Corinthians in July, Paulinho impressed in his early outings for the London club.

But he has fallen out of favour with new Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, who replaced Andre Villas Boas in December.

"I have always played, so for me it's strange not to be out there," Paulinho told Folha de S.Paulo.

"I have to understand that it's the way things are done in Europe, with rotation. But I would like to be playing."

Paulinho denies failing to live up to expectations at White Hart Lane.

"I don't think my form has dropped away," he said. "I have been working hard like I always do.

"The Brazil coaching staff knows me. I want to be a part of the national team. Whether I am in the starting team or not will depend on my World Cup preparation."