Tottenham Hotspur head coach Tim Sherwood has urged Paulinho to improve his displays in training if he wants to earn a starting spot on a regular basis.

Paulinho has been linked with a move away from the club after falling down the pecking order in recent weeks, but Sherwood insists that the Brazilian midfielder must prove his quality to win back his place ahead of this summer's World Cup.

"I pick players on what they are doing in training, not on reputations and price tags," the Spurs coach told members of the media.

"I can't be worrying if the Brazil national manager wants him to play every week. I am going to do what is best for Tottenham, not any national manager.

"He knows if he trains well and plays well, he stays in the side."

Paulinho recently cast doubt on his future when asked about the current situation at White Hart Lane.