Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho has declared that he is relishing an increased responsibility at international level and aims to finish 2013 on a high with Brazil against Chile tonight.
Paulinho has started the Selecao's last eight matches as they build towards hosting next summer's World Cup finals, becoming a firm favourite of Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The 25-year-old has praised Scolari's no-nonsense approach a year into his second spell in charge of the Selecao, while admitting that he feels "important" to the manager's long-term plans.
He told reporters: "I feel important. I have to use these opportunities to show Scolari what I can do. I know the responsibility that's on me. I am ready and prepared to take it.
"Right from the beginning, we have understood the way the coach wants us to behave and what he wants from the group on the field.
"We had time to work at it before the Confederations Cup. Football has no magic formula. It's a simple game and we kept it that way."
The Spurs star is expected to keep his place for Brazil in tonight's friendly with South American rivals Chile at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Liam Power
