Tim Sherwood has responded to criticism from midfielder Paulinho, saying he will continue to pick players based on performance rather than price tag.

Earlier in the week Brazilian international Paulinho expressed his dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time since Sherwood replaced Andre Villas-Boas in mid-December.

The former Corinthians midfielder has made just six Premier League starts since Sherwood was confirmed as Villas-Boas' successor, with the likes of Nabil Bentaleb, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Sandro preferred to the 25 year-old.

With the World Cup in Brazil looming and his place in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad under threat, Paulinho told the Metro that he was not "comfortable" with his role in the squad.

"I understand the team rotation because that’s how it works here, but I am not feeling well or comfortable. I want to be present, I want to play.

Paulinho continued: "The language is the most complicated thing as I am lazy about studying. I am learning little by little, but I don’t understand everything."

Sherwood has now hit back, re-iterating his selection policy in light of the midfielder's complaints.

"I pick players on what they are doing in training, not on reputations and price tags," explained Sherwood.

"He knows if he trains well and plays well, he stays in the side. He’s come here from another country and the language has been a problem for him."

The former Spurs captain continued: ‘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."