Paulinho's target

Paulinho admitted his frustration at being injured after catching the eye of Tim Sherwood - he's now ready to impress again after taking the first step back in a friendly at West Ham on Thursday.

Head Coach Tim was full of praise for the midfielder after his five-star show against Stoke on December 28.

Playing his first game after a three-match suspension, Paulinho was everywhere in that 3-0 win but picked up an ankle injury late on.

He’s missed another four games so far – meaning now he’s featured just once in our last seven since his red card against Liverpool.

Better news is on the horizon though for the Brazilian international, who capped his 60-minute return in Thursday’s friendly against West Ham with a goal in our 3-0 win at Upton Park.

“I’m happy to be back, to score and now I have to work hard in training and do my best to give the manager another option,” said Paulinho. “I will work hard and see how it goes.

“I had an injury against Stoke, a difficult situation for me because I never had that injury before.

“But I’ve only missed a few games with that injury and now I’m back.”

Paulinho said he was happy to be subject of Tim’s praise. “It’s nice when the manager says these things. I just give my best for the team. I don’t play alone.

“I only play well when my friends and colleagues help me. I always give my best for the team and the squad.

“The table looks good at the moment. We have a big match against City now and if we can win this match, it could be very important for us.”